[GIS] Custom scalebar units in ArcMap

arcgis-desktoparcmapscaleunits

Is it possible to create a scalebar in ArcMap that shows distances in custom units? I understand how to do this manually, but it would be great if I could define a custom unit of measurement (let's say "1 swimming pool") and use that to dynamically generate a scalebar.

Best Answer

You could do it by defining your own projection;

  1. Copy your current projection file
  2. Open the copied file
  3. Under Linear Unit select custom
  4. Enter the number of metres per unit (eg, 10m for a pool)
  5. Save this projection
  6. Change the projection of your data frame to this new projection
  7. Add your scale bar to the layout - it will have Unknown Units, but you should be able to change that in the scale bar properties - and the length will be there
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