Which is the best tool for masking in ArcGIS?
You can use any polygon feature class as a masking layer. Typically, you’ll want to create specific masks using the symbology or annotation of a particular layer. The Feature Outline Masks tool works on a layer in your current map document in ArcMap or on any layer file (.lyr).
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 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 turn off masking in ArcGIS?
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. Uncheck this to turn off masking. Click the layer (s) that you want to use as a mask in the Masking Layers list.
How does feature outline mask work in ArcGIS Pro?
Creates mask polygons at a specified distance and shape around the symbolized features in the input layer. See How Feature Outline Masks and Intersecting Layers Masks work to learn more about the kinds of masks you can create. This tool accepts point, line, and polygon feature layers, as well as geodatabase annotation layers, as input.
How to create a geodatabase in ArcGIS Desktop?
Open the Create File GDB in ArcGIS for Desktop. You can use the search to find the tool or open it directly from the Workspace toolset of the Data Management toolbox. Specify the folder location where you want the file geodatabase created. Type a name for the geodatabase.