Creating non-feature-linked annotation

The Create Non-Feature-Linked Annotation tool creates annotation in feature classes that do not have a relationship class that links them to a source feature class. The tool creates annotation for user-selected source features. You need to have a non-feature linked annotation feature class in the active data frame, or create an annotation feature class and then load it into the active data frame.

This tool is enabled in ArcMap when you are not in an editing session and when source features are selected.

Steps:

1. Start ArcMap.
2. On the main menu, click Customize > Extensions and make sure that the Maplex check box is checked.
3. On the main menu, click View > Data Frame Properties.
   1. Click the General tab.
   2. Verify that the data frame's reference scale matches that of the given chart.
   3. Verify that the data frame's rotation matches that of the given chart.
   4. Verify that the Label Engine is set to ESRI Maplex Label Engine.
   5. Click the Coordinate System tab.
   6. Verify that the data frame's projection matches that of the given chart.
   7. Click OK.
4. Ensure that your chart's data frame is set to the appropriate instance by right-clicking the data frame, selecting Properties, and clicking the Product Library tab.
5. On the main menu, click Customize > Toolbars > Labeling.
6. Click the Placement Quality drop-down arrow on the Labeling toolbar and choose an option.

   Best is the recommended setting. If Best is selected, Maplex considers more trial positions for the label.

7. Click the Feature Display Settings button on the Aeronautical Data Management toolbar.
   1. Make sure the correct definition queries are being used for each layer you want annotated.
   2. Click OK.
8. Select the features from the feature class for which you would like to create non-feature-linked annotation.

   Do not select annotation; select the source feature. All selected features must have the same MAPID.

9. On the main menu, click Customize > Toolbars > Aeronautical Annotation.
10. Click the Create Non-Feature-Linked Annotation button on the Aeronautical Annotation toolbar.

    The Create Non Feature-Linked Annotation dialog box appears.

11. Check the check boxes next to the instances you want to process.

    The list displayed is built from the Instances Maintained set on the Production Properties dialog box.

12. Choose a source feature class from the Feature Class(es) to Process list.
13. Choose the non-feature-linked annotation feature classes for which you would like to create annotation.
    Tip:

    If there are no annotation feature classes listed in the Annotation Class(es) to Process list, you need to load at least one non-feature linked annotation class into the active data frame or create an annotation feature class using ArcCatalog and then load it into the active data frame.

14. Click OK.

    For each selected source feature, the tool creates annotation in the chosen annotation feature classes. It also gives the annotation a MAPID, ensures word spacing is set to 100, and resizes arrowheads and accent bar gaps so they are correct for the map scale.