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 do I mask a layer in ArcMap?
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 do you mean by mask in ArcGIS?
Mask—A dataset that defines which locations in the inputs will be considered in the execution of the tool. If the mask dataset is a raster, all cells with a value will compose the mask. Cells that are NoData in a raster mask will be NoData in the output.
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.
How can I mask a data frame in a map?
When you apply masking, a masking layer can be set to mask one or more layers. First, add the masking feature class as a layer to your map’s table of contents. Right-click the data frame name in the table of contents and open the Advanced Drawing Options dialog box. Check Draw using masking options specified below.
How does a mask work in a raster?
If the mask dataset is a raster, all cells with a value will compose the mask. Cells that are NoData in a raster mask will be NoData in the output. If a feature dataset is used as input for the mask, it will be converted internally to a raster on execution.