Why specify methods to resolve label conflicts?

When placing labels with the Maplex Label Engine, all available space will be used to fit the text. Sometimes this results in dense placement of labels. By creating a label buffer, removing duplicate labels, specifying a minimum size of features to be labeled, connecting line segments, or specifying to label only the largest feature, you can control the density of label placement by decreasing the number of labels placed.

For small-scale maps where you may have larger features that display over the extent, you can increase the number of labels placed for features. This is useful when dealing with large, meandering polygons such as in geologic maps or long highways that span the extent of a map.

The space available for label placement can be controlled by setting feature weights, allowing labels to be placed over features if necessary, and setting a label as a background and always allowing other labels to be placed over the top of it. When a label must be placed on the map, you can choose the Never remove (place overlapping) option; the label will be placed regardless of space available, potentially resulting in overlapping labels.