Setting template instructions for data frame rules

Template instructions allow products to be more dynamic, allowing them to perform actions during key events like a checkout. There are three types of template instructions controlled by file types: data frame rules, layout rules, and python scripts.

The Data Frame Rules properties allow products to have their data frame settings, such as scale, extent, coordinate system, and rotation, updated based on a product's associated instance AOI(s).

When setting up data frame rules to be used in conjunction with the product library, it is important to note that regardless of the extent setting specified in the data frame rule, the AOIs associated with the product's instances will be used to determine the scale, extent, size, rotation, and coordinate system of the data frames.

It is also helpful to test the data frame rules on different products and have layers in the associated map document to help visualize the expected results.

Steps:

1. Start ArcMap.
2. If necessary, open the Product Library window by clicking Customize > Production > Product Library on the main menu.

   A tree view of the product library appears.
3. Navigate to and right-click an existing class, series, or product from the Product Library tree and click Properties.

   The properties dialog box for the class, series, or product appears.

4. Click Template Instructions on the left-hand pane.
5. Click the plus sign (+) next to Data Frame Rules.

   The Data Frame Rules properties appear.

6. Click the plus sign (+) next to File.
7. Click the cell next to File and click the ellipsis (...) that appears.

   The Browse For File dialog box appears.

8. Click the Storage type drop-down arrow and choose an option:
   • File system—If the file is stored in a local or network computer
   • Database—If the file is stored in a database
9. Click the ellipsis (…) next to the Location field.

   The Open dialog box appears.

10. Navigate to the data frame rules XML file you want to use.
11. Click Open.

    The Browse For File dialog box appears with the path to the XML file in the Location field.

12. Click OK.

    The properties dialog box for the class, series, or product appears.

13. Click the cell next to Data Frame Type, click the drop-down that appears, then choose an option.
    • All: The data frame rules will be applied to all data frames that are in the product map document.
    • Largest: The data frame rules will only be applied to the product map document's largest data frame.
    • Custom: The data frame rules will only be applied to the product map document's data frame with the defined name (as specified in the Data Frame Name property).
14. If the Data Frame Type has been set to Custom, click the cell next to Data Frame Name and type the name of the data frame that the data frame rules should be applied to.
15. Click OK.

You can now apply data frame rules when you check out a template or product by clicking Options and checking the box next to the instructions.