In ArcMap, a grids and graticules layer is a grouped layer of feature classes that depicts grids, graticules, and map borders using predefined cartographic specifications. The Make Grids and Graticules Layer tool allows greater control over the style of map grids and supports such features as:
- Advanced annotation formats
- Non-rectangular shaped maps
- Calibrated and measured neatlines and borders
- Converging UTM grid zones
For those of you familiar with the tool, you’re probably aware that you can only create one grid at a time over a polygon feature. What happens when you have to create multiple grids over many polygon features you ask? Simple, you can use the recently released Batch Make Grids and Graticules Layer tool which allows you to batch create grids over a set of polygon features (or areas of interest) using attribute information and a grid definition template.
Using the tool, you can select a series of polygon features, specify an existing grid template (XML file), and execute the tool to create grids over each polygon feature. This tool proves very handy for anyone who wants to pre-create map grids over a project area so they can be added later to a map document or to a map book series created using data driven pages.
