ArcMap

Adding longitude/latitude lines

Question: Hello. I would like add long/lat lines to a map that I have created. How do you do this?

Answer: To add a graticule to your map, see the help topic Adding a graticule.

For a map in layout view you use the Grids and Graticules Wizard to add a grid or graticule to your map.  Using this method, your grid or graticule will only draw in Layout View and it will always draw on top of all features in your data frame.

If you prefer to use a feature class instead (so the graticule does not draw on top of your map as with the method above), you can find a lat/long feature class on Esri’s Data and Maps DVD (in world folder >data folder > latlong.sdc > latlong).  Once you add this line feature class to your map you can write a definition query to select which lines of latitude and longitude you want to display (10, 15, 20, or 30 degree lines).

Formerly a Mapping Center Ask a Cartographer  Q & A.

About the author

Dr. Aileen Buckley is a cartographer who’s been at Esri since 2003. She finds and shares best practices for mapping and analysis with ArcGIS, which leads her to publish widely and present world-wide.

Connect:

Next Article

What's new in ArcGIS StoryMaps (March 2024)

Read this article