Refine the visible scale ranges for symbol classes
When a layer is symbolized with either unique value or graduated colors symbology, you can specify the visible scale range for each symbol class. This is an effective strategy to limit the amount of detailed data at smaller scales without having to make multiple versions of the layer, each with a different definition query. For example, you may have a populated places layer where you want to show major cities at all scales, but include towns only between mid-scale and large-scale ranges, and small villages only at the very largest scales. Not only is it easier to manage and update a map organized this way, the reduction in map information is vitally important if you intend to create vector tiles from your map.
To refine the scale range of symbol classes, complete the following steps:
- Highlight a feature layer by clicking its title in the Contents pane.
- Under Feature Layer on the Appearance tab in the Drawing group, click Symbology to open the Symbology pane.
- In the Symbology pane, ensure the feature layer is drawn with unique values or graduated colors.
- Click the Scale Range View button .
- Adjust the scale sliders for each symbol class as needed.
The stops on the sliders are derived from the map scales. The slider extends across the complete scale range, from an infinitely small scale (zoomed very far out) on the leftmost end of the slider, to a large scale of zero (zoomed very far in) at the rightmost end of the slider. The darker part of the slider shows the scale range of the layer. The features of a symbol class only draw at scales that are within both the scale range of the layer and the scale range of the corresponding symbol class.
As you work with layers set up with scale-based symbol classes, notice that the Contents pane dynamically updates as you zoom in and out of the map, showing only those symbol classes that are defined for the current scale.