How do I mask in ArcGIS?
To mask a layer, follow these steps:
- Choose one or more layers to be masked in the Contents pane.
- Under Feature Layer, on the Appearance tab, in the Drawing group, click Masking .
- In the drop-down menu, check one or more layers in the list. The layers with check marks will mask the selected layer.
What is masking in Arcmap?
Masking is a technique used to clarify dense or detailed map content by having the features of one layer hide, or mask, features of another layer where they overlap. A common use for masking is to mask features around annotation to ensure the text remains readable.
How is variable depth masking used in ArcMap?
About printing and exporting maps with masks In ArcMap, variable-depth masking is a drawing technique used to hide parts of layers that are drawn underneath symbols and annotation. This topic describes how to use polygons to mask underneath map layers to overlay dense symbols and to make maps more readable and useful.
How do you create a mask in ArcGIS?
The mask is created by identifying a margin, or the area between the feature and the edge of the mask, and using an outline method. The outline methods include. Exact—The mask is created to represent the shape, including internal holes, and will follow text exactly.
How does feature outline mask work in ArcMap?
Intersecting Layers Masks The Feature Outline Masks tool works on a layer in your current map document in ArcMap or on any layer file (.lyr). A polygon feature class is generated as output in a geodatabase. These mask polygons are subsequently used to mask out portions of layers that will lie underneath certain symbols or annotation features.
What should I consider when creating a mask for a map?
Generally, there are three things to consider when creating masks for a map: (1) the number of masks, (2) the complexity of the masks, and (3) whether the masks will be used to mask polygon features filled with marker or line symbols.