Specifying a minimum feature size for labeling

Another way to control label density in an area is to reduce the number of small features that are being labeled. If your layer contains many small insignificant features that do not require a label, you can use the Maplex Label Engine to remove the features from the list of features to be labeled.

The Minimum feature size for labeling property is only available for line and polygon features. For line labeling, the value is specified as the length of the line in the current map units or in page units (millimeters, inches, or points). For polygon labeling, the value is specified as the length of the polygon perimeter or the area in map units or in page units (millimeters, inches, or points).

In the image below, the minimum feature size was set to 300 square kilometers.

Steps:

1. Enable the Maplex Label Engine.
2. Click the Label Manager button on the Labeling toolbar.
3. Choose the label class for the layer you want to modify.
4. Click the Properties button.
5. Click the Label Density tab.
6. Enter a Minimum feature size for labeling value.

This distance is measured in map units or in page units (millimeters, inches, or points).

7. Click OK to close all dialog boxes.

Tip:

You can also open the Placement Properties dialog box by clicking the Placement Properties button on the Labels tab on the Layer Properties dialog box for the layer you want to label.