Setting the scale based on a field

The scale for the data frame can be calculated from a field in the area of interest (AOI) feature by choosing the Scale From Field option on the Scale and Extent dialog box.

Steps:

1. Click Scale From Field from the Scale and Extent list.
2. Click the Scale Field drop-down arrow and choose a field from the AOI data source feature class.

   The scale of each map sheet is going to be set based on an attribute value in a field in the AOI data source feature class. The extent of the data frame can either resize to the extent of the AOI at the set scale or it can remain the same size. The AOI feature will always be centered within the data frame.

3. Choose one of the available data frame size options: Do Not Resize Data Frame, Resize Data Frame to Fit Area of Interest, or Set Data Frame Size.
   • The Do Not Resize Data Frame option allows you to stretch or shrink the data frame interactively. The tool will not resize the data frame. If you choose this option, proceed to step 7.
   • The Resize Data Frame to Fit Area of Interest option will automatically resize the data frame to fit to the edge of the AOI feature, after any buffer and rotation angles have been calculated. If you choose this option, proceed to step 4.
   • The Set Data Frame Size option sets the data frame to a fixed height and width. If you attempt to interactively resize it, it will return to the specified size. If you choose this option, you need to define the data frame's size.
4. Type a value in the Width and Height text boxes.

   These values represent the width and height of the data frame if you have chosen to maintain its size and define it accordingly.

5. Click the Units drop-down arrows for the width and height and choose the unit of measurement you want to use to define the data frame's extent for each one.

   The available units of measurement range from inches, points, and centimeters to nautical miles, decimal degrees, and decimeters. If you have changed the units for either the height or width, you must be sure to change it for the other so they match.

6. Click the Unit Type drop-down arrows for the width and height and choose whether you want to use page or map units for each one.

   You can choose page or map units. Choosing page units creates the data frame according to the space available on the page. Using map units means that the data frame is created according to the size of the AOI feature.

   If you have changed the unit of measurement for either the height or the width, you must be sure to change it for the other so they match.

7. Click Next.

   The Dynamic Definition Query dialog box appears.

8. Proceed to one of the following:

   Configuring the map series without a feature layerSetting up a feature layer definition query