Create a symbol based on dimensions

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6
09-28-2021 11:52 AM
IB3
by
Occasional Contributor

Hi there, 

I want to create a point symbol in the shape of a rectangle of 1m large. Is this possible to create a symbol of a specific dimension in arcgis?

 

Thanks in advance

Isabelle

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6 Replies
DavidPike
MVP Frequent Contributor

You can create a polygon (shape) which occupies exact physical dimensions.  Do you want to digitize (draw) it yourself or do you have centroid/centre coordinates for the squares?

IB3
by
Occasional Contributor

I want to draw it myself and then use it as a symbol for a point feature. 

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DavidPike
MVP Frequent Contributor

Ah gotcha,

For this to work you'd need to have your map frame in a projected coordinate system.

Go to symbology and choose 'Proportional Symbols'

On the 'field' option just add an expression with the value of 0.5 (or you could add a new field and populate it with 'radius' values for the square then use that field).

Unit -meters

'Data represents' - Radius (this is why we set to 0.5 not 1)

symbol form - square (options are limited here with symbol and styling)

et voila.

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David_Brooks
MVP Regular Contributor

@IB3 these are the steps:

1. Change your 2D symbol units to cm in Pro options

Brooks_SummitGeo_0-1632860452328.png

2. Set your point symbol to be a rectangle 1cm in size

Brooks_SummitGeo_1-1632860530700.png

 

3. Set a reference scale on your map of 1:100 scale

Brooks_SummitGeo_2-1632860585041.png

 

4. Set your layer to scale symbol when a refernce scale is set

Brooks_SummitGeo_3-1632860655755.png

 

Hey presto, you have a 1m square.

Obviously this also applies to any symbol. You can import your own SVG symbol instead.


David
..Maps with no limits..
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jcarlson
MVP Esteemed Contributor

Also useful: https://www.convertunits.com/from/meter/to/pt

Points don't divide nicely into metric units, but when you know the conversion, it's possible to set the reference scale such that 1 pt = 1 m. Where 1 m is roughly 2835 pts, a 1 pt symbol measures out to 1 m.

jcarlson_0-1632861904466.png

 

- Josh Carlson
Kendall County GIS
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IB3
by
Occasional Contributor

Thanks everyone for helpen.

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