Inserting a new map frame, which functions similarly to what was traditionally called a "data frame" in older ArcGIS versions like ArcMap, into a layout in ArcGIS Pro is a fundamental step for creating professional map outputs. This allows you to display multiple geographic views or different extents on a single page layout.
To insert a map frame in ArcGIS Pro, you primarily utilize the Insert tab within your layout view.
Step-by-Step Guide to Inserting a Map Frame in ArcGIS Pro
Follow these steps to successfully add a new map frame to your page layout:
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Open or Create a Layout:
- First, ensure you are in a Layout View in ArcGIS Pro. If you don't have a layout open, you can create one by going to the Insert tab on the ribbon and clicking New Layout in the Project group.
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Navigate to the Insert Tab:
- Once in your layout view, locate and click the Insert tab on the main ribbon menu. This tab is dedicated to adding various elements to your layout, including map frames, north arrows, scale bars, and legends.
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Insert a Map Frame:
- In the Map Frames group on the Insert tab, you will find options to add a map frame. You can choose to:
- Add New Map Frame: Click on the New Map Frame option to insert a default map frame that you can then link to an existing map or scene in your project.
- Select from Existing Maps: If you already have maps or scenes created in your project, they will be listed under the Map Frames group. Click on the thumbnail of the specific map you wish to add to your layout.
- Based on the common geospatial software operation principle: On the main menu, click Insert [followed by an option like] Data Frame [Map Frame]. A new data frame [map frame] appears on the page layout.
- In the Map Frames group on the Insert tab, you will find options to add a map frame. You can choose to:
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Position and Resize the Map Frame:
- After inserting, the new map frame will appear on your page layout. You can then drag it to your desired position.
- To organize your layout elements: Drag the new data frame [map frame] below the Layers data frame [or other existing map frames/layout elements] as needed to arrange your map composition effectively.
- Use the selection handles around the map frame to resize it to fit your layout design.
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Activate and Configure (Optional):
- To interact with the map inside the map frame (e.g., pan, zoom, change symbology), right-click the map frame on the layout and select Activate. This allows you to work directly within the map's extent without affecting other layout elements.
- To link a different map, change its extent, or adjust its properties, select the map frame and use the Format Map Frame pane that appears, or right-click the map frame in the Contents pane of the layout.
Understanding Map Frames vs. Data Frames
| Feature | Data Frame (ArcMap Terminology) | Map Frame (ArcGIS Pro Terminology) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Container for geographic data layers; defines map extent. | Represents a specific map or scene on a layout. |
| Location | Primarily found in the Table of Contents in ArcMap. | Primarily managed within the layout view in ArcGIS Pro. |
| Creation | Inserted via the "Insert" menu in ArcMap's layout view. | Inserted via the "Insert" tab > "Map Frames" group in ArcGIS Pro. |
| Function | Holds layers, projection, symbology, scale. | Displays an existing map or scene from the project onto the layout. |
In essence, while the term "data frame" might be familiar from previous ArcGIS versions, ArcGIS Pro streamlines this concept into "map frames" when composing layouts. Both serve the purpose of displaying geographic information in a structured and customizable way on your final map product.
