Applying a masking set (Production Mapping)

Masking settings allow you to determine what layers block out, or mask, parts of other layers. Masking can improve legibility of text on a chart and improve cartographic depiction of features. You can determine which features mask other features by creating a set of masking rules. Once you have created a masking set, you can apply it to feature layers in a chart.

Steps:

1. Start ArcMap.
2. Add the Feature Display Settings tool in ArcMap by doing the following:
   1. On the main menu, click Customize > Toolbars > Customize.

      The Customize dialog box appears.

   2. Click the Commands tab. In the Categories list, choose Production Cartography.
   3. In the Commands list, choose Feature Display Settings.
   4. Drag the Feature Display Settings tool onto any toolbar.
3. Click the Feature Display Settings button .

   The Feature Display Settings dialog box appears.

4. Click the Masking Settings tab.
5. Click the Masking Set drop-down arrow and choose the masking set you want to apply to your map.
6. Click Load.

   The settings are loaded for the masking set.

7. Click Apply.

   A message appears informing you that the masking settings have been applied to the map.

8. Click OK.

   The map refreshes with the masking settings applied.

9. Click the Close button to close the Feature Display Settings dialog box.