[GIS] Symbols Appear Different in Size

arcgis-10.2arcgis-desktoplabelingroadsymbology

I have two Interstate labels on my map which appear to be different sizes even though they are the same font size and have the same marker text background size. The labels have been converted into annotation.

This is a screenshot of my problem. As you can see, one of the Interstate signs is smaller in size and font than the second one

I am using ArcMap 10.2. What could be the problem?

Best Answer

I've experienced issues similar to this while using ArcMap 10.x. When I've changed the size of the map document after I developed the map with symbols and labels. Let me explain further.

For example, my supervisor needs a map to be created on 8 1/2 x 11 paper, I work on the layers, add labels (converted to annotation) and the map is about ready to go.

Then he updates me that it need to be on 11 x 17, so instead of starting from scratch I decide to go to my print settings and adjust the map to 8 1/2 x 11 to 11 x 17 then going to layout view and adjusting the borders on the map canvass to fit the new size that I have chosen.

Everything appears normal until I need to update the labels and all the units appear off. The labels now appear in different sizes even though I'm adjust the font size to equal the same. That one issue that could be causing your situation, you might have adjusted your map layout and that doesn't bode well for the resizing of the font/label/symbology on your map.

This post in GIS SE gives further insight on things to consider in general for your labels.