Symbols represent points and other features on your map.
A symbol is a special object that is named and stored in a Library. Symbols help you streamline the creation and update of repetitive features across your maps. When a symbol is originally created, it is
Symbols represent points and other features on your map.
A symbol is a special object that is named and stored in a Library. Symbols help you streamline the creation and update of repetitive features across your maps. When a symbol is originally created, it is assigned as a “master” symbol which can be placed unlimited times on your map.
Key Concept – Master Symbols:
Symbols are created from graphic objects, groups of objects, text, and/or images. When a symbol is originally created it is assigned the status of “master” and stored in the Library Manager. Each time you place a symbol on your map with the Symbol Stamp tool, an “instance” of its master is placed. The master supplies all the common properties, such as what it looks like, to all the instances of the symbol. If a master is changed, all the instances of that master (across all documents) will change as well.
HINT: Symbols (and styles) in the Mapdiva built-in collection are locked and cannot be changed directly. To create an editable version of a built-in symbol, copy the symbol to a collection in “My Library.”
To Place a Symbol on a Map:
- Open the Styles & Symbols palette.
- Do one of the following:
- Choose the Symbol Stamp [y] tool; click onto the map area with the Symbol Stamp tool to place the symbol.
- Choose the Select [s] tool; press and drag a symbol from the palette directly onto your drawing canvas.
HINT: Symbols are shown as available in the palette when the Symbol Stamp tool is active – line and area styles will be unavailable.
To Replace One Or More Symbols :
- Use the Select [s] tool and select the point (symbol) feature(s) to be replaced.
- Double-click a new symbol in the Styles & Symbols palette.
To Manually Scale a Symbol:
- Choose the Select [s] tool
- Grab the lower-right sizing handle on the symbol and dragging inward or outward.
HINT: Symbols in the Library are “master symbols.” When you place a symbol on your map with the Symbol Stamp tool, you place a copy, or instance, of the master on your map. When you make changes to that instance, such as changing the scale of a symbol, the master symbol is unaffected by the change.
To Rotate Symbol and Set Scale Factor in the Object Inspector:
- Select one or more symbol.
- Adjust the scale factor from the Object Inspector – Features pane. Scale can be adjusted via the slider bar or by entering a percent scale factor.
- Rotate a symbol by adjusting the angle setting in the Object Inspector Geometry pane.
HINT: Multiple symbols can be scaled or rotated at one time.
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