Creating feature-linked annotation using the Create Feature-Linked Annotation tool

To generate annotation using the Create Feature-Linked Annotation tool, you must have the annotation feature class, as well as the linked source feature class, loaded into the Table Of Contents window. The data frame also needs to be associated with an instance from the product library for which annotation has to be created.

You can also create annotation for a selected set of features instead of the entire feature class.

Steps:

1. Start ArcMap.
2. Ensure that the correct product library and production database are set in the Data Management pane on the Production Properties dialog box.
3. Make sure that the Instances Maintained property is set correctly under Set Tool Options on the Data Management pane of the Production Properties dialog box.
4. Verify that each annotation feature layer you are creating annotation for has its own matching source feature layer in the document.
5. On the main menu, click Customize > Extensions and make sure that the Maplex check box is checked.
6. 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.
7. On the main menu, click Customize > Toolbars > Labeling.
8. On the Labeling toolbar, click Labeling > Options.
   1. Click the Maplex tab.
   2. Make sure the Enable connection of line segments into continuous features check box is unchecked.
   3. Click OK.
9. 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.

10. On the main menu, click Customize > Toolbars > Aeronautical Data Management.
11. 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.
12. On the main menu, click Customize > Toolbars > Aeronautical Annotation.
13. Optionally, select the features for which you want to create annotation.

    If no features are selected, annotation will be created within the boundaries of the instances you select in step 15 and for the feature classes you select in step 16.

14. Click the Create Feature-Linked Annotation button on the Aeronautical Annotation toolbar.

    The Create Feature-Linked Annotation dialog box appears.
15. 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.

16. Check the check boxes next to the annotation classes in the Annotation Class(es) to Process list.
    Tip:

    You can use the Select All, Clear All, and individual check boxes to choose the annotation classes.

17. Optionally, check the Process Selected Feature(s) check box to create annotation for only the features you selected.
18. Click OK.

    For each feature class that is linked to the annotation feature classes, the tool determines which features do not have annotation in the selected chart. It then creates annotation for those features. It also gives the annotation a MAPID, ensures word spacing is set to 100, changes the color of the background symbol, and resizes arrowheads and accent bar gaps so they are correct for the map scale.

    The Create Feature-Linked Annotation Results dialog box appears and shows the results of the annotation that has been generated, updated, or deleted.

19. Click Close once you are finished viewing the results.

    The Create Feature-Linked Annotation dialog box appears.

20. Click Close.