ArcMap

Disperse Markers

Summary

Finds representation markers that are overlapping or too close to one another, based on symbology and reference scale, and spreads them apart based on a minimum spacing and dispersal pattern.

Illustration

Disperse Markers geoprocessing tool
Illustration of the dispersal styles.

Usage

  • The input must be a point feature layer containing representations. A reference scale must be set. Multipoint features are not a valid input. Location changes are stored based on the editing behavior specified on the input representation. See Setting the geometry editing behavior for more information.

  • Clustered or coincident representation markers are assessed and processed in groups. The analysis of marker groups is based on a minimum rectangular envelope around each marker. Groups are composed of markers with envelopes that overlap or are within the minimum spacing of others. Within each group, markers are dispersed to the minimum spacing.

  • Graphical overlaps may be introduced between marker groups. Use the Detect Graphic Conflict tool to identify conflicts.

Syntax

DisperseMarkers_cartography (in_point_features, minimum_spacing, {dispersal_pattern})
ParameterExplanationData Type
in_point_features

The input point feature layer containing marker representations.

Layer
minimum_spacing

The minimum separation distance between individual markers, in page units. A distance must be specified and must be greater than or equal to zero. When a positive value is specified, markers will be separated by that value; when a value of zero is specified, markers will be touching. The default page unit is Points.

Linear Unit
dispersal_pattern
(Optional)

Specifies the pattern in which the dispersed representation markers are placed. A group of markers will have a center of mass derived from the locations of all markers in the group. The center of mass is then used as the anchor point around which the dispersal pattern operates.

  • EXPANDED —The general pattern of the markers will be maintained as they are spread apart. Markers that were exactly coincident are dispersed to a circle around their center of mass. This is the default.
  • RANDOM —Representation markers are placed around the center of mass in a random dispersal that respects the minimum spacing.
  • SQUARES —Representation markers are placed in multiple square rings around the center of mass, ensuring that all markers are placed as closely together as allowable by the minimum spacing parameter.
  • RINGS —Representation markers are placed in multiple circular rings around the center of mass, ensuring that all markers are placed as closely together as allowable by the minimum spacing parameter.
  • SQUARE —Representation markers are placed evenly around the center of mass in a single square pattern.
  • RING —Representation markers are placed evenly around the center of mass in a single circular pattern.
  • CROSS —Representation markers are spaced evenly on horizontal and vertical axes originating from the center of mass.
  • X_CROSS —Representation markers are spaced evenly on 45° axes originating from the center of mass.
String

Derived Output

NameExplanationData Type
out_representations

Feature Layer

Code sample

DisperseMarkers example (Python window)

The following Python window script demonstrates how to use the DisperseMarkers tool in immediate mode.

import arcpy
from arcpy import env
env.workspace = "C:/data"
env.referenceScale = "50000"
arcpy.DisperseMarkers_cartography("crime.lyr", "2 Points", "EXPANDED")
DisperseMarkers example 2 (stand-alone script)

This stand-alone script shows an example of using the DisperseMarkers tool.

# Name: DisperseMarkers_standalone_script.py
# Description: creates visible space between representation markers which are graphically overlappig or coincident
# Author: ESRI
 
# Import system modules
import arcpy
from arcpy import env

# Set environment settings
env.workspace = "C:/data"
env.referenceScale = "50000"

# Set local variables
in_point_features = "crime.lyr"
minimum_spacing = "2 Points"
dispersal_pattern = "EXPANDED"

# Execute Disperse Markers
arcpy.DisperseMarkers_cartography(in_point_features, minimum_spacing, dispersal_pattern)

Environments

Licensing information

  • ArcGIS Desktop Basic: No
  • ArcGIS Desktop Standard: No
  • ArcGIS Desktop Advanced: Yes

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