How to set non-overlapping point symbology.

[DevinUnderwood2]

I know that symbology has limited functionality in placing symbols. Maplex can be used to
create as text symbols, which I did. I also tried using leader lines which I don’t like.

My question is, do you have any recommendations on how to address overlapping features symbology?

Is creating feature representations a viable option?

Thank you.

[ChrisDonohue__GISP · Accepted solution]

One possibility is to create point Representations, then use the Disperse Markers Cartographic Refinement Tool.  Note that this requires an Advanced License and this tool is a more recent innovation, so if you are using an older copy of ArcGIS it may not be available.

Disperse Markers—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop

Chris Donohue, GISP

[DevinUnderwood2]

Looks Like I will learn how to create representations, and try the Disperse Markers which I have come across in my researching this subject.  Thanks for the advice.

[DanPatterson_Retired]

this is what you are referring to I assume? Offsetting point labels—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop

[AnninaHirschiWyss]

Hi all,

I have a similar issue, but:

- The disperse marker doesn't work on multi point FC

- In Pro, the disperse marker modifies the geometry (Representations are not yet supported)

- Working with labels doesn't work for me (2 fields based "multilayer" symbology)

- Offsetting a symbol isn't an option either, as not always the same types are "clustered" together

- Need to show the exact location as well (e.g. with leader lines)

- Setting reference scale doesn't solve the overlap issue (either the symbols overlap, or they get too small to distinguish)

So something like that: https://community.esri.com/ideas/5998  would be awesome, but it's not yet available.

Any other ideas? Go back to ArcMap and into representations?

Thx

[DevinUnderwood3]

I suggest using ArcMap representations as I did very successfully.

[AnninaHirschiWyss]

Hi Devin,

Unfortunately representations do not solve my issue, as there are sometimes points of the same symbology-type overlap (offsetting will not disperse them, they just move into the same direction) and I need to have something like a leader line to show the exact location...

Thanks anyway.

[DevinUnderwood3]

Have you tried to edit the representation points (not actual features) individually by placing them in their exact location ?