MULTIPLE LINE ATTRIBUTE TEMPLATE AND SCALING

[Jeff.Cahill85]

I'm looking for some help.  I am beginning to play around with Attribute Templates to be able to label Object Data of .Shp files we bring in from ArcGIS.  Specifically parcels.  We label the Auditors Parcel Number and the Owner information.  I am able to create the template with those two object labels, the problem I am facing is being able to have both labeled in the same template and have the text scale when the drawing scale changes so they don't overlap. I have attached images, one is how I would like it to look (shown at 1"=1') and the other is at 1"=30'.  The text scales, but the text placement in relation to each other is incorrect.  The Attribute Template seems to behave slightly different than a typical block with attributes, unless I am missing something.  Any help would be appreciated. 

[Pointdump]

Hi Jeff,
Do the labels have to be from a map annotation template? Map labels in the Task Pane are much easier and will do exactly what you want.
Dave

[ChicagoLooper · Accepted solution]

Hi @Jeff.Cahill85 

There's more than one way to skin a kitty cat.

Your main goal is to pull the DATA from the shapefile's Database file (dbf). Using the function known as Map Annotation Template is OK in some cases but not the one you've described. Why? Because it's too clunky. It makes you jump through hoops.

Although a Map Anno Template impresses users that create them occasionally, or impress those who never ever use them at all, the cost to produce a Map Anno Template exceeds the benefit it provides. Think about it, there are a lot of bells and whistles when creating a Map Anno Template that you don't really need nor want. If all you need is to turn data into labels, labels that are manageable of course, then you can use MAPLABEL2ANN command.

The command turns the ESRI labels into plain ol' vanilla mtext. Once you've got your metxt, you control the font style and height just like regular mtext. You can accept the default insertion point of the mtext or you can fine tune the position of each individual label.  Since it's vanilla mtext, you control font color and mtext visibility (on/off, freeze/thaw) on a ByLayer basis. 

<<The procedure assumes you already know how to create ESRI (shapefile) labels from shapefile attributes. If you're not familiar with or are uncomfortable creating labels from the database file, then this procedure may be too challenging for you.>>

Do this:

1. Create ESRI labels. Keep zooming-in until the labels don't overlap. <<Don't worry about text height, you'll have an opportunity to adjust text size later. Just make sure the labels don't overlap.>> Even if some labels are off screen, it's perfectly OK because the MAPLABEL2ANN command will still capture those off screen labels. Your aim is to zoom-in close enough to give your labels 'room to breathe.'  Labels that overlap or touch one another are a no-no!Image-1

2. When labels are small enough and look good, execute the MAPLABEL2ANN command. Make your settings like this. Image-2

3 The result will be plain ol' mtext with each individual label capturing DATA directly from the shapefile's database file (dbf). You may now adjust text height, layer and layer color. <<You can even add a frame around each label through the Properties Palette. Select all labels then add the frame en masse.>> Image-3

In case you're wondering, the labels above were created from the shapefile named parcpoly prior to executing MapLabel2Ann command. The shapefile expression to create label was this:

Image-4 

[Jeff.Cahill85]

@PointdumpThanks for the response.   To answer your question, no it doesn't have to be an annotation template as long as I can create a label with the object data.

@ChicagoLooperThanks for the response.  This is what @Pointdump was alluding to and appears to be the ticket, assuming I can save the expression and put it in a drawing template or a saved location on the server for shared use and streamlining.  I have never made a label in the create query dialog box before however I made my way to the right spot and gave it a shot. I couldn't get the expression to validate though.

Any ideas as to what I am doing wrong?  "PIN" and "OWN1" are properties from the shapefile.

I appreciate your assistance.

[Pointdump]

Jeff,
Can you post your shapefile?
Dave

[Jeff.Cahill85]

@PointdumpI am having trouble attaching the files.  Below is a link to be able to grab them.  Thanks!

https://abercrombieassociates-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/jeffc_abercrombie-associates_com/EnK4... 

[Pointdump]

Jeff,
Thanks for posting your shapefile. Note that if you zippola everything together, the Forum accepts up to 71MB file size.
I'm not sure why you were getting that strange message. Normally if there is a problem with an expression you can click and it will put your cursor at the problem point. Anyway, I used this and it seems to have worked:
Concat ( 'Auditors Parcel', '\P', PIN ,'\P', OWN1 )
Dave

[Jeff.Cahill85]

Dan,

Started from scratch. Same error came up.  I copied and pasted your text, same error came up.  I am not sure whats going on.

[Pointdump]

Jeff,

Yup, no idea why it's not working for you. The only thing I can suggest is to make all your updates current.

Dave

[ChicagoLooper]

Is it possible to upload a screenshot the expression window? Include the expression making sure it's visible in the screenshot.

[Jeff.Cahill85]

@ChicagoLooperhere is the screenshot again.

[ChicagoLooper · Accepted solution]

@Jeff.Cahill85 

Sorry, you're not doing it right. You're performing a QUERY. You need to create an EXPRESSION.

Image-1

A query can be considered a FILTER that isolates certain Feature Data Objects (and hides others) based on a specified criteria. An EXPRESSION is a customizable operation, such as label creation, derived from (or harvested) from the database.

Do this:

Image-2.  

FYI, step 3 above is the part where you begin creating the Feature Label.

[Jeff.Cahill85]

@ChicagoLooperI had a feeling I was in the wrong spot. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.  Everything worked as expected!

I appreciate you and @Pointdump walking me through this.

[Pointdump]

Jeff,
I didn't notice the "Create Query", which looks exactly like the "Create/Modify Expressions" window. How did you get there?
Dave

[Jeff.Cahill85]

Dan,

There are a couple of different ways to get to the Create Query creator.

You can also right click on the layer in the task pane after you're connected and click on "Query to Filter Data".

[Pointdump]

Thanks Jeff. That kinda explains the error message.
Dave

[ChicagoLooper]

@Jeff.Cahill85 

You're absolutely correct......more than one way.

Here's another.....