Prevent Specific Layer's Labels from Overlapping Other Layers?

[RandyMcGregor_BMcD]

I have some state labels that are overlapping county labels. Only a subset of counties are shown, so there is a LOT of space for the state labels to go that is not within any of the displayed counties.

How do I 'tell' only the state labels to not overlap with the counties? It seems like I have to set interior and buffer weights on the county layer, but I want the county labels to appear within the county boundaries and overlap the boundaries when necessary.

Thank you and apologies in advance if I am overlooking an obvious setting. 

Randy McGregor

[TheRealSamHeavenrich]

Have you tried setting a label buffer with hard constraint checked for the state labels? I think this may be what you're looking for. The label buffer specifies an area around the label where no other labels should exist. Checking hard constraint ensures there are no other labels in this region (which may result in unplaced labels if there is not enough space for them).

[RonaldHaug]

Hi Randy,

I found a really neat (newish to me) tool in labeling which is label priority. You access it in the map by selecting a feature class, then select labeling (top center of your screen) and then selecting More and then Priorities.

When you open this you can drag the feature classes up or down depending on their label priority to you.

In the More panel you can also mess around with weights, too. I've found priorities is quick and works well.

Make sure your Maplex search engine is turned on. It's usually checked in the More box.

For the mechanics of this, I think it's a good idea to spend some time reading the help sections on labeling and legends and then trying different options with a scratch map. Here's a good free esri training video on labeling: https://www.esri.com/training/catalog/6165ae8d28674c33845f6fb5/arcgis-pro-advanced-map-labeling/ .

For the design elements of this, I would consult a map making book like Principles of Map Design by Judith Tyner or this nice one-pager by Aileen Buckley at esri.

Once you've gotten familiar with placements, priorities and weights, the next step in your trajectory is Convert labels to annotation. This is for finished print-worthy work. It's static, though and remains in place regardless of magnification.

[JesseWickizer]

There are 2 approaches that may help you - see which works best for your map.

#1 - Feature weight

Add a small Feature weight to the interior of the counties layer - that will guide other labels to avoid placing over the interior of the counties if there is room to place the label elsewhere. 

The feature weight will apply to all layers - you are not able to tell only the states to avoid the counties.

#2 - Avoid overlapping polygons as if holes

Another approach is to tell the state labels to avoid the county polygons with the Avoid overlapping labeled polygons as if holes setting. This is a new setting of Regular placement starting in version 3.3, but works similar to Land parcel placement in prior versions. Also see the Parcel labeling help doc here.

Checking this checkbox tells Maplex to treat any overlapping polygon features as if they are holes in the map and avoid labeling in those "holes". This will place the state labels more centered in the open areas remaining after removing the overlapping counties from the states. 

Depending on what other data and labels you have in your map, one of these approaches may help you achieve the look you desire. With method 2, you may need to re-organize the order of your layers to achieve the best outcome.