Summary
Finds point symbols that are overlapping or too close to one another, based on symbology at reference scale, and spreads them apart based on a minimum spacing and dispersal pattern.
Illustration
Usage
The input must be a symbolized point feature layer. Multipoint features are not a valid input. The input feature class is changed by this tool.
This tool operates by assessing proximity of symbolized point features. The symbology extent and the reference scale are considered in conjunction with one another. Run this tool only after you have finalized the appearance of your symbols, and ensure that the reference scale corresponds to the final intended output scale.
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Clustered or coincident point symbols are assessed and processed in groups. The analysis of marker groups is based on a minimum rectangular envelope around each marker. Groups are composed of markers with envelopes that overlap or are within the minimum spacing of others. Within each group, markers are dispersed to the minimum spacing.
Graphical overlaps may be introduced between marker groups. Use the Detect Graphic Conflict tool to identify conflicts.
Syntax
arcpy.cartography.DisperseMarkers(in_point_features, minimum_spacing, {dispersal_pattern})
Parameter | Explanation | Data Type |
in_point_features | The input point feature layer to be dispersed. | Layer |
minimum_spacing |
The minimum separation distance between individual point symbols, in page units. A distance must be specified and must be greater than or equal to zero. When a positive value is specified, markers will be separated by that value; when a value of zero is specified, point symbols will be touching. The default page unit is Points. | Linear Unit |
dispersal_pattern (Optional) |
Specifies the pattern in which the dispersed point symbols are placed. A group of point symbols will have a center of mass derived from the locations of all points in the group. The center of mass is then used as the anchor point around which the dispersal pattern operates.
| String |
Derived Output
Name | Explanation | Data Type |
out_representations | The updated input features. | Feature Layer |
Code sample
The following Python window script demonstrates how to use the DisperseMarkers tool in immediate mode.
import arcpy
arcpy.env.workspace = "C:/data"
arcpy.env.referenceScale = "50000"
arcpy.DisperseMarkers_cartography("crime.lyr", "2 Points", "EXPANDED")
This stand-alone script shows an example of using the DisperseMarkers tool.
# Name: DisperseMarkers_standalone_script.py
# Description: Finds point symbols that are overlapping or too close to one
# another and spreads them apart based on a minimum spacing and
# dispersal pattern
# Import system modules
import arcpy
# Set environment settings
arcpy.env.workspace = "C:/data"
arcpy.env.referenceScale = "50000"
# Set local variables
in_point_features = "crime.lyrx"
minimum_spacing = "2 Points"
dispersal_pattern = "EXPANDED"
# Execute Disperse Markers
arcpy.DisperseMarkers_cartography(in_point_features, minimum_spacing,
dispersal_pattern)
Environments
Licensing information
- Basic: No
- Standard: No
- Advanced: Yes