Cartographic Editing and Finishing Tools
- Using Representation Rules to Add Clarity
 View demo: Flash
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Hands-on tools are required for cartographic finishing. Representation and override functionality allows you the freedom to refine the visualization of any feature while storing the information in the central database. Additional interactive tools can be used to manipulate and modify the graphic elements that enhance the communication of the map.
Working with Cartographic Representations
Any symbolized feature layer can be converted to a cartographic representation. Representations store additional information about symbol properties in the geodatabase and allow modification on a feature-by-feature basis while preserving topological integrity. You can adjust patterns to fit the geometry and vary the shape and positioning to fit the particular map scale.
Representation rules that define how the feature geometry will be rendered are specified for each component of each symbol layer.
For example, you can manipulate complex highway symbols by offsetting all layers of a line symbol or by setting patterns for individual layers, and so forth. You can control how different layers interact with other symbol layers as they are rendered by using levels and masking. More typical graphics options are used to specify parameters to
- Become invisible, visible.
- Clear overrides.
- Convert to free representation.
- Select and lasso.
- Modify vertex, Bezier curves, and control points.
- Warp, stretch, move parallel.
- Erase, mask.
- Rotate, orient.
- Resize, move, offset.
 
Line Examples
The following five stages of symbolization for a road feature illustrate a workflow scenario using representations, overrides, and free representation.
- Stage 1 shows the rendered linear feature in red.
- Stage 2 shows the linear feature rendered with a default dash symbol. The red circles point out the line segments where the pattern did not clearly define the line bends and joins.
- Stage 3 shows the automatic representation rule that renders a half dash at line intersections.
- Stage 4 shows the use of a representation override to further specify that a half dash also be used at line bends. The pattern is adjusted to the geometry to meet the representation rules.
- Stage 5 shows the last iteration where the cartographer has specified a free representation to change the color of part of the line segment.
Marker Examples
The following steps illustrate a workflow scenario to make updates to a marker symbol and store them with the feature representation rules.
- Create a representation override for a selected marker symbol.
- Use the marker editor to change the color and shape, and specify any additional parameters.
- View the building features on the map with the angles rotated according to their attribute values.
Fill Examples
Polygon fill symbols can be composed of solid fills, markers, lines, and more. A common cartographic need is to rotate, scale, and align the marker symbol of an orchard or swamp to match the rows, pattern, or orientation of the real-world feature.
- You can specify the marker placement effect as random and set the size and rotation angle.
- View the symbolized swamp feature on the map.
Graphics and Effects Toolbars
In addition to the standard drawing and layout tools, more graphics and effects tools are needed to help cartographers with interactive map editing and detailed finishing tasks within the mapping environment. Mapmakers need the ability to easily manipulate feature layers with keyboard shortcuts and see into the depths of their active map layers using layer tools such as transparency and swipe.
Graphics tools
- Group, ungroup
- Front and back ordering
- Alignment options
- Distribute options
- Rotate, flip options
- Customize
- Import tool from another application
Effects tools
- Contrast
- Brightness
- Transparency
- Swipe layer
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