ArcMap

Convert Labels To Annotation

Summary

Defense Mapping production tool that converts MTM and TM labels to annotation based on an input annotation feature class and map document.

Usage

  • This tool attempts to match label classes on a layer with an annotation class in the target annotation feature class. If it finds a match, it will create annotation for that label class.

  • If the map has a reference scale set and it does not match the reference scale of the annotation feature class, you will get a warning. If the map does not have reference scale, it checks the map scale, and if it is different than the annotation feature class reference scale, you will get a warning.

  • If a layer’s visibility is turned off, that layer will be skipped.

  • If the property Label Features is not selected on a layer, that layer will be skipped.

  • If the property Label features in the class is not checked in a label class, that label class will be skipped.

  • If the min/max scale properties in the label class indicate the labels should not be drawn based on the current map scale, the label class will be skipped.

  • Generating annotation is a resource-intensive process. Processing a map document that will result in large numbers of annotations created can consume a lot of memory.

  • Labeling in the .mxd will be turned off after running this tool so the labels and annotation do not conflict.

Syntax

ConvertLabelsToAnnotation(in_mapdocument, in_annotation)
ParameterExplanationData Type
in_mapdocument

The map document file that will be updated.

ArcMap Document
in_annotation

Existing annotation feature class where the labels will be converted to annotation.

Feature Class; Feature Layer

Code sample

ConvertLabelsToAnnotation example (Python window)

The following code example demonstrates how to execute the ConvertLabelsToAnnotation function.

# Script variables
mxd = 'C:/Example/Untitled.mxd'
annoFeatures = 'C:/Example/example.gdb/CARTO/MTM50_Anno'

# Run Convert Labels to Annotation tool
arcpy.ConvertLabelsToAnnotation_defense(mxd, annoFeatures)

Environments

Licensing information

  • ArcGIS Desktop Basic: No
  • ArcGIS Desktop Standard: Requires Defense Mapping
  • ArcGIS Desktop Advanced: Requires Defense Mapping

Related topics