Labeling issue when importing Data Driven Pages into ArcGIS Pro Map Series

[LoralynLClarkmainegovMaineDOT]

In ArcMap, I created State, Country, and Ocean Labels for a 73-page grid index map.  The annotation is stored in the map (not in a database or in the layout).  The labels were created by double-clicking on the data frame (to enable the map instead of the layout) and adding text and formatting it at that time. If it is in ArcMap, the map annotation can be selected, edited, or deleted and only shows where it is placed. Once I import the maps into ArcGIS Pro, I can only see the text as a Graphics Layer and cannot select, edit, or delete the text, I can only turn it off and on.

In ArcGIS Pro, when I add a label, I see it on every page in the exact location and I cannot see how to place it where it does not move once I move on to the next page. Can I place labels to only appear when I am on that page or in the area where it was placed?

[TomBole]

Hi Loralyn, 

It appears that you are running to a bug where the Graphics tab that has the selection tool is not available when the context is an activated map frame in a layout view.  Here is a screenshot showing this using graphics created in ArcGIS Pro.

This could be due to how the MXD Map Annotation is converted to Pro graphics. I'll follow up and see if this is an actual bug. If this is something you want to track I suggest contacting support to log an issue. They can be contacted at https://support.esri.com/en/contact-tech-support.

To workaround this issue you can either:

Edit your "map annotation" graphics in the Map View where you should see the Graphics tab in the ribbon. You can dock the layout view next to the map view to see how your changes in the map view look in the layout.

In ArcMap, convert the map annotation to GDB annotation features. You should be able to edit these in Pro just like any other features.

Hope this helps, 

Tom

[TomBole · Accepted solution]

Loralyn, 

I'm unable to reproduce the issue with my own test MXDs. I'm able to select and move map graphics (map anno in the MXD) in an active map frame. It is important to note that the map frame needs to be active in order to select graphics and features within the map. If the map frame is not active you can still select the graphics layer in the Contents pane and change layer properties via the "Graphics Layer" tab in the ribbon as seen in this screenshot.

If you are working with an active map frame and DO NOT SEE the "Graphics" tab when the graphics layer is selected this is a bug. Unfortunately, there is not much I can do if I cannot reproduce the issue. The problem you are running into may be specific to your data/workflow. 

Can you contact Esri Support? They are better equipped to handle troubleshooting steps and gather bug data. 

Thanks,

Tom

[LoralynLClarkmainegovMaineDOT]

Hi Tom,

Initially, I thought this might be a bug, but I believe it is how ArcGIS Pro handles importing Data Driven Pages. The Graphics Layer cannot be edited in the Layout. I can copy and paste it into a new map and select the graphics layer and under the Map - Graphics tab, I can select and edit the text.

Thank you for all your help!

Loralyn