Multiple data driven frames?

Discussion created by pmcatnip on Oct 3, 2011
Latest reply on Jul 6, 2020 by joseanna

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I had an idea and want to see if it's possible/if anyone's done it. Can you combine data driven pages with having multiple data frames on your layout?

Example:
-Two frames on a layout, one on left and one on right
-10 data driven pages
-It would display DDP's 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 in the left frame and DDP's 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 in the right frame, for a total of 5 sheets of paper.

I just experimented in ArcMap 10 with two data frames with DDP's turned on and it only updates one of them, the other remains static.

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jbarrette-esristaff Oct 4, 2011 6:37 AM
Data Driven Pages (DDP) uses one index layer to drive extents. If your two data frames on each page have different extents then I don't think you can do this with only DDP.

If both of your data frames have the same extent (but display different layers) you could do this. See the following help topic:
http://help.arcgis.com/en/arcgisdesktop/10.0/help/index.html#/Customizing_your_map_extent/00s900000011000000/

Your scenario can be accomplished with the arcpy.mapping scripting environment. You would set the two data frame extents independantly using whatever method you need.

Jeff
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Federicovdb Nov 4, 2011 8:46 AM
Same problem here.
No one knows a solution?
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jbarrette-esristaff Nov 7, 2011 5:47 AM
The solution would need to include arcpy.mapping. Here is a great example in help where two different MXDs are used to handle facing pages (left and right pages use different layout settings). All pages are combined into one fine PDF using arcpy.mapping.

http://help.arcgis.com/en/arcgisdesktop/10.0/help/index.html#//00s90000002p000000.htm

Jeff
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Federicovdb Nov 10, 2011 3:11 AM
The solution would need to include arcpy.mapping. Here is a great example in help where two different MXDs are used to handle facing pages (left and right pages use different layout settings). All pages are combined into one fine PDF using arcpy.mapping.

http://help.arcgis.com/en/arcgisdesktop/10.0/help/index.html#//00s90000002p000000.htm

Jeff

Thank you, this is a great idea!
But my data frames don't show the same extent and are on the same mxd. I need 1 layout withe all teh data frames...I think that I have to learn arcpy.mapping...
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pmcatnip Dec 15, 2011 1:53 PM
Thanks, jbarrette. This isn't exactly what I meant with my question but your answer for data frames with the same extent helped me with a different project.

What I originally had in mind was like Federicovdb's problem. Having multiple data frames with different extents on the same layout, and still using data driven pages. For example, facing pages but with the facing pages on the same sheet of paper. It's just a curious inquiry at the moment (no work tasks depending on this) but I'm sure there would be useful applications.
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jbarrette-esristaff Dec 16, 2011 5:42 AM
Let me explain this a little more clearly. In your scenario, you have 2 data frames on a single layout but with different extents. No matter how you address this, you need the equivalent of two index layers; one to drive the first extent, the second to drive the other extent.

Your options:
1) Use DDP to drive the first extent and arcpy.mapping to drive the second extent
or
2) Use arcpy.mapping to drive both extents.

Below is some sample code that sets the 1st data frame's extent based on each feature extent in the first layer:
```
mxd = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument("CURRENT")
df = arcpy.mapping.ListDataFrames(mxd)[0]
lyr = arcpy.mapping.ListLayers(mxd)[0]
rows = arcpy.SearchCursor(lyr.dataSource):
for row in rows:
    newDFExt = row.getValue("Shape").extent
    df.extent = newDFExtent
    arcpy.mapping.ExportToPDF(mxd, somepath)
del mxd
```
The logic could be easily extended to multiple data frames.

I hope this helps,
Jeff
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- rfoscarini @ jbarrette-esristaff on Jan 10, 2018 11:27 AM
  I tired, but didnt work. Something was wrong, i fixed, line 4, requires no colon : at the end
  But still doesnt work. Changes the extent, but doesnt export pdf. What is wrong?
  
  mxd = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument("CURRENT") df = arcpy.mapping.ListDataFrames(mxd)[0] lyr = arcpy.mapping.ListLayers(mxd)[0] rows = arcpy.SearchCursor(lyr.dataSource) for row in rows: newDFExt = row.getValue("Shape").extent df.extent = newDFExt arcpy.mapping.ExportToPDF(mxd, r"D:\TEMP\datadriven") del mxd
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  - jbarrette-esristaff @ rfoscarini on Jan 12, 2018 10:31 AM
    Hello Raphael,
    
    I apologize for the accidental (colon) typo. I should have tested the code first. I believe the issues you are running into has to do with your pdf output file. Because you are iterating through multiple features, you need to build the PDF to uniquely name each file. In the example below, I'm using the features "NAME" property and building the outputpath/filename.
    
    mxd = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument("CURRENT")
    df = arcpy.mapping.ListDataFrames(mxd)[0]
    lyr = arcpy.mapping.ListLayers(mxd)[0]
    rows = arcpy.SearchCursor(lyr.dataSource)
    for row in rows:
    newDFext = row.getValue("Shape").extent
    df.extent = newDFext
    somepath = "C:/Temp/" + row.getValue("NAME") + ".pdf"
    arcpy.mapping.ExportToPDF(mxd, somepath)
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pmcatnip Dec 16, 2011 6:11 AM
Thanks. I'll fiddle around with that and see what happens.
Let me explain this a little more clearly. In your scenario, you have 2 data frames on a single layout but with different extents. No matter how you address this, you need the equivalent of two index layers; one to drive the first extent, the second to drive the other extent.

Your options:
1) Use DDP to drive the first extent and arcpy.mapping to drive the second extent
or
2) Use arcpy.mapping to drive both extents.

Below is some sample code that sets the 1st data frame's extent based on each feature extent in the first layer:
mxd = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument("CURRENT") df = arcpy.mapping.ListDataFrames(mxd)[0] lyr = arcpy.mapping.ListLayers(mxd)[0] rows = arcpy.SearchCursor(lyr.dataSource): for row in rows: newDFExt = row.getValue("Shape").extent df.extent = newDFExtent arcpy.mapping.ExportToPDF(mxd, somepath) del mxd

The logic could be easily extended to multiple data frames.

I hope this helps,
Jeff
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johannessbg Jan 13, 2012 12:33 AM
Hello

I want to continue with this topic, as we are searching for a solution within ArcGIS 10 for the same problem.
I tried the above posted code but unfortunaly i did not make it.

Therefore i prepared a few data and a Mxd with three dataframes and a layout. The data in the different dataframes are not in the same extend!
Every dataframe has a layer with mapframes including an attribut, called "PNR", which is the same in every layer.

If someone can configure a MapSeries in the Mxd to work with the three dataframes, that would be great.
Or post the arcpy code for the problem to work with this data and mxd.

Thank you in advance.

Greetings,
Johannes
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- DDP_MultiDataFrames.rar186.7 KB
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jbarrette-esristaff Jan 17, 2012 11:55 AM
Not sure what an rar file is. Could you provide a zip?

Jeff
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johannessbg Jan 17, 2012 9:51 PM
Attached the ZIP file.

Sorry i didn't knew that rar is not that common.
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- DDP_MultiDataFrames.zip417.7 KB
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jbarrette-esristaff Jan 19, 2012 7:52 AM
I looked at your data. If I understand this correctly, you are trying to do something that is a lot more than just setting the extents of 3 data frames.

Your upper data frame appears to contain the equivalent of 3 strip map pages, each at a different angle to one another. The data frame below that shows the pipeline running through the 3 pages but it is flattened to run horizontal to the bottom of the page (i.e., profile map).

The only way I can think of doing this with Python is to make the middle data frame (and bottom) 3 separate data frames, one for each stripmap page. The trick will be to get the rotation of each stripmap page and then rotate the 3 separate data frames so they are all horizontal to each other. You will also need to calibrate your extents based on the rotation so that you can place each dataframe next to one another to create the appearance of 3 horizontal dataframes that appear a one.

I find this interesting but this goes far beyond answering a question about setting data frame extents.

The dataframe object allows you to set its extent and also allows you to rotate. I believe this is what you would need to do.
Jeff
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kirk.gustafson Jan 24, 2012 4:31 AM
Back to the question posed by the original poster, of driving two dataframes using data driven pages. A simple example of this is the following:

I have a project with approx. 20 sites scattered around the US. The data driven pages works great for setting the main data frame extents, scale, and rotation. What I need to do is have the second dataframe, called "Keymap" update based on the state that each given location is in. Ie. if the project location is Chicago IL, the keymap would show just the outline of Illinois (state outline, and counties of Illinois). Any ideas or suggestions?
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ginnyg Feb 1, 2012 10:57 AM
Let me make this even more complicated. I have a large map book, with over 100 areas to be zoomed in to. The zoom areas vary for each map book page, i.e., page 1 has #1-4 zoom areas; page 2 has #5-10 zoom areas. Any idea how I can make sure the correct zoom areas appear on the map pages?
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jbarrette-esristaff Feb 2, 2012 5:21 AM
I'm currently working with a customer on this exact issue. They have 320 map sheets. Each sheet can have anywhere from 0 to 6 inset maps. In addition to the insets, they also have 3 tabular reports. Depending on the size and shape of the primary map, all the other items (insets and reports) get placed at different locations. The solution we are building is to store all the page layout info (x,y, width, height, extent, etc) of each element in a table. As we iterate through each map sheet, the appropriate info is read and the appropriate items are positioned.

This application will be posted to the Resource Center when complete. We just started so it will take some time.

Jeff
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johannessbg Feb 13, 2012 12:48 AM
I looked at your data. If I understand this correctly, you are trying to do something that is a lot more than just setting the extents of 3 data frames.

Your upper data frame appears to contain the equivalent of 3 strip map pages, each at a different angle to one another. The data frame below that shows the pipeline running through the 3 pages but it is flattened to run horizontal to the bottom of the page (i.e., profile map).

The only way I can think of doing this with Python is to make the middle data frame (and bottom) 3 separate data frames, one for each stripmap page. The trick will be to get the rotation of each stripmap page and then rotate the 3 separate data frames so they are all horizontal to each other. You will also need to calibrate your extents based on the rotation so that you can place each dataframe next to one another to create the appearance of 3 horizontal dataframes that appear a one.

I find this interesting but this goes far beyond answering a question about setting data frame extents.

The dataframe object allows you to set its extent and also allows you to rotate. I believe this is what you would need to do.
Jeff

What about the arcpy.mapping classes "currentPageID"?
If i setup a ddp with the mapsheets in the first DataFrame and get the number of the current mapsheet from "currentPageID", write that into a variable and use it for a selection in the other dataframes?
Example: The series is at the number 2 of the mapsheets, therfore i select and pan to mapsheet number 2 in all other dataframes.

Is there no way to solve that problem whitout a lot of programming?
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rfairhur24 Feb 13, 2012 1:30 AM
Is there no way to solve that problem whitout a lot of programming?

Isn't what you mean really: "Is there no way to solve that problem without ME doing a lot of programming?" You wouldn't mind if someone else did a lot of programming (ESRI, another user) if it was done right now and free. The problem does involve programming (which is never just a little when every detail of the behavior is taken into acount) by someone, since this is not functionality that has been built into the current program. "A lot of programming" went into creating Data Driven pages for one Data Frame, and from experience with ArcObjects, it becomes exponentially more complicated as you try to coordinate multiple Data Frames.
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johannessbg Feb 13, 2012 4:02 AM
This tool or functionality does not have to be free!

If somebody knows a product/extension for ArcGIS 10 covering this question, please let me know.
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dlerskine Apr 4, 2012 7:18 AM
I have had some success with creating multiple data driven pages without using Python. I had a similar issue with needing one MXD containing multiple data frames. The main focus of the project was linear for several miles (occasionally changing direction), it had to be at a constant scale, and the data frame had to be viewed in landscape position. In my case, I had setup the Layout first and then setup the dataframe at the display scale I needed in my Layout. I had to leave room for an Index to my grids showing the overall project, a legend, title, etc. I created stripmap grids at my particular scale & used my data frame to determine the size of the grids. I added an attribute to calculate the rotation/angle (field type had to be 'double') to be used for each of the grids. By using the 'Data Frame Tools' toolbar I tested the rotation/angle needed to make the project look horizonal in my data frame too. I copied the data frame and pasted the same size data frame just below the first. Once I had all of the rotations of each of the girds come up correctly as I cycled through the page numbers, I made a copy of that feature class to use as for my 'Index' map window. I then created two addtional feature classes from my Index feature class, one for "Odd" numbered grids and one for "Even" numbered grids. I deleted the ones I didn't need. So now I have 3 feature classes (one with ALL the grids called "Index", one with ONLY "Odd" grids, and one ONLY with "Even" grids). I renamed my 'Layers' top data frame to 'Odd grids' and the bottom data frame called 'Even grids'. I added the respective feature classes to the odd & even data frames. I had to setup the Data Driven Pages twice, one for each data frame, and making sure I had the correct data frame 'Activated'. Also used the 'Data Frame Properties' Tab to setup the extent. I used the optional fields for my rotation/angle. Unfortunately I wasn't able to use the 'Multiexport' function. I had to click on my upper data frame ("Odd grids") go to appropriate page number; then click on the lower window ("Even grids") go to appropriate page number; then I could export my Sheet. Sheet 1 had grids 1 & 2, Sheet 2 had grids 3 & 4, etc.
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tobyclewett Apr 8, 2012 5:16 PM
Data Driven Pages (DDP) uses one index layer to drive extents. If your two data frames on each page have different extents then I don't think you can do this with only DDP.

If both of your data frames have the same extent (but display different layers) you could do this. See the following help topic:
http://help.arcgis.com/en/arcgisdesktop/10.0/help/index.html#/Customizing_your_map_extent/00s900000011000000/
...
Jeff

1) To to re-iterate Jeff's solution - two (or more) maps with the same extent is easy using the Data Frame Properties standard "Derive extent from another data frame's extent" feature.

2) If your two data frames on each page have different extents, perhaps you could use the Data Frame Properties "Zoom to features that intersect the other data frame's extent" feature?
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- erin77sc @ tobyclewett on Mar 26, 2015 6:08 AM
  YES! Thank you. Simple solution.
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jsather55 Jan 23, 2013 11:49 AM
I'm currently working with a customer on this exact issue. They have 320 map sheets. Each sheet can have anywhere from 0 to 6 inset maps. In addition to the insets, they also have 3 tabular reports. Depending on the size and shape of the primary map, all the other items (insets and reports) get placed at different locations. The solution we are building is to store all the page layout info (x,y, width, height, extent, etc) of each element in a table. As we iterate through each map sheet, the appropriate info is read and the appropriate items are positioned.

This application will be posted to the Resource Center when complete. We just started so it will take some time.

Jeff

Jeff,
Any luck developing a solution for this? That would be very useful
Joe
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jbarrette-esristaff Jan 24, 2013 5:33 AM
There are two relevant samples:

http://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=0ba4fd37e2e54f65b3edf6478e8cc30a

http://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=3a525b986b774a3f9cbbd8daf2435852

Jeff
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- joseanna @ jbarrette-esristaff on Jul 6, 2020 1:06 PM
  Hi Jeff, I was hoping to use this multiple frame script for my own mapping. I wanted to have different rotation and scale as well for various data frames. Unfortunately my modified script doesn't seem to be working (I'm pretty new to Python). I've posted the question here: Customizing Multiple Element Layout Manager?
  
  Hopefully you could take a look at it? Thanks very much!
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jsather55 Feb 1, 2013 4:56 AM
I'm currently working with a customer on this exact issue. They have 320 map sheets. Each sheet can have anywhere from 0 to 6 inset maps. In addition to the insets, they also have 3 tabular reports. Depending on the size and shape of the primary map, all the other items (insets and reports) get placed at different locations. The solution we are building is to store all the page layout info (x,y, width, height, extent, etc) of each element in a table. As we iterate through each map sheet, the appropriate info is read and the appropriate items are positioned.

This application will be posted to the Resource Center when complete. We just started so it will take some time.

Jeff

Jeff,
Any luck with this application? I am trying to do the exact same thing with someutility maps.
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alt4 Feb 13, 2013 7:05 AM
So I have a DDP mxd with two data frames, one with vector data and the other with imagery and a raster with transparency. I have set the imagery extent to the vector data frame, this works great except when my DDP has rotation angles, the the imagery dataframe does not rotate with the vector data frame. If ESRI could only get the PDF transparency export issue figured out....
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alt4 Feb 13, 2013 10:23 AM

Pretty easy Fix...

mxd = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument("MXD_PATH")

frames = arcpy.mapping.ListDataFrames(mxd)
 
for pageNum in range(1, mxd.dataDrivenPages.pageCount + 1):
  mxd.dataDrivenPages.currentPageID = pageNum

  #Sets the rotation angle of the dependant data frame to the data frame with the DDP index layer, assuming it is first in the TOC
  frames[1].rotation = frames[0].rotation

  arcpy.mapping.ExportToPDF(mxd, "DOC_NAME"+ str(pageNum) + '.pdf')

del mxd

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alt4 Feb 13, 2013 10:27 AM

So I have a DDP mxd with two data frames, one with vector data and the other with imagery and a raster with transparency. I have set the imagery extent to the vector data frame, this works great except when my DDP has rotation angles, the the imagery dataframe does not rotate with the vector data frame. If ESRI could only get the PDF transparency export issue figured out....

Pretty easy Fix...

mxd = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument("MXD_PATH")

frames = arcpy.mapping.ListDataFrames(mxd)
 
for pageNum in range(1, mxd.dataDrivenPages.pageCount + 1):
  mxd.dataDrivenPages.currentPageID = pageNum

  ## Sets the rotation angle of the
  ## dependant data frame to the data
  ## frame with the DDP index layer,
  ## assuming it is first in the TOC  
  frames[1].rotation = frames[0].rotation

  arcpy.mapping.ExportToPDF(mxd, "DOC_NAME"+ str(pageNum) + '.pdf')

del mxd

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jkleczkowski Nov 12, 2013 4:43 AM
One easy way to have a map product with two data frames showing different extents is to do this partially in ArcMap and partially in pdf editing software. On one file I am going to have a data frame positioned on top half of the page and I will use data driven pages to export the map using only odd numbered sheets. One the other file, data frame will be positioned on the bottom half of the page and only even number sheets will be exported. Once this is done, overlay those two pdf files together to have a single combined pdf page with two data frames with different extents.
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