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How to create an overlapping grid index based on multipart feature layer

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01-29-2026 10:57 AM
JacobLyons
Emerging Contributor

Hey Esri Community, 

I am trying to generate a Grid Index based on a feature layer that has a little over 100 features, so I can then use that as a spatial map series to avoid having to create 100+ layouts or bookmarks manually. I need an overlapping Grid Index polygon centered on each feature at 1:24,000k for a map frame that is 6.5" x 8" portrait.  If I run the Grid Index tool with the input feature being my desired feature layer with the above parameters set, it only generates about 30 non-overlapping polygons and does not even center the features.  

Typically I would just do this manually, but this project is huge and I'm on a bit of a time crunch so trying to automate as much as possible. 

 

Open to any workarounds, ideas, suggestions, etc. Can provide more context if that is helpful. 

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Neal_t_k
MVP Regular Contributor

Can you get the centroid point of each  feature, then make a Square Buffer around each point as your "grid" Using the resulting polygon file for your index.

https://support.esri.com/en-us/knowledge-base/how-to-create-a-square-buffer-around-a-point-feature-i...

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5 Replies
JacobLyons
Emerging Contributor

To clarify, each feature needs its own map page centered on it. 

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Neal_t_k
MVP Regular Contributor

Can you get the centroid point of each  feature, then make a Square Buffer around each point as your "grid" Using the resulting polygon file for your index.

https://support.esri.com/en-us/knowledge-base/how-to-create-a-square-buffer-around-a-point-feature-i...

JacobLyons
Emerging Contributor

That's what I am attempting right now, but I need them to be rectangular to fit the map frame in my layout.

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JacobLyons
Emerging Contributor

Square buffers worked! Just make sure "clip to index feature" is toggled off. 

Thanks for the help!

JesseWickizer
Esri Contributor

Unless you need the polygons for some other analysis, you don't need extent rectangle polygons to create a spatial map series for all of the features. Create the Spatial Map Series and then set the Map Extent to Center and maintain scale.

JesseWickizer_0-1769784705658.png