To create custom labels associated with military symbols in ArcGIS Pro, you utilize the Military Symbology Editor tool, which provides specific options for setting label information directly on the symbol.
The Military Symbology Editor Approach
Creating custom labels using the Military Symbology Editor involves selecting a military symbol and populating predefined label fields within the tool's interface. This method is distinct from standard feature layer labeling, focusing specifically on adding relevant descriptive information directly tied to the military graphic.
Follow these steps based on the Military Symbology Editor workflow:
- Access the Editor: On the ribbon, locate the tab where you added the Military Symbology Editor tools. Click the Military Symbology Editor button to open its pane.
- Select Your Symbol: In the Military Symbology Editor pane, select the specific military symbol you wish to customize with labels.
- Navigate to Label Tab: Click the Label tab within the Military Symbology Editor pane.
- Set Label Values: Enter your desired custom label information into the available text boxes on the Label tab. These text boxes correspond to various label fields associated with military symbology standards.
- Apply Changes: Click the Add Favorite or Add to Map button to save your symbol with the custom labels and either add it to your favorites or place it directly on the map.
Understanding Custom Labels in This Context
Within the Military Symbology Editor, the "custom labels" you set are typically specific textual attributes defined by military symbology standards (like MIL-STD-2525 or APP-6). Examples might include:
- Unique Designation: Identifier for the unit or equipment.
- Higher Formation: The parent unit or command.
- Echelon: Size or level of the formation.
- Date-Time Group: Specific time information.
You enter these values directly into the provided text boxes on the Label tab. The editor then generates the symbol with these labels positioned according to symbology specifications. This differs from ArcGIS Pro's general labeling engine, which typically uses attribute fields from a feature layer to generate labels based on predefined label classes and expressions.
This process is specifically tailored for annotating military symbols added via the Military Symbology Editor, providing a streamlined way to include critical information directly with the graphic itself.
