Introduction to a thematic map series

A thematic series is a collection of pages built from a single layout in which the map frame on each page is updated to show a different layer or group of layers. The map series is built by iterating through all the features in a radio group layer, creating a page for each layer. Only one layer from the radio group is visible for each page, the other layers in the group are not visible. Layers outside the radio group are visible on each page in the map series.

Once you create a thematic map series, it can be exported as a single PDF or as multiple files, one for each page.

Both dynamic and static elements can be used in a thematic map series. The static elements on the layout remain constant for each page in the map series. The dynamic elements, such as the map frame in the series, update for each page. Common dynamic elements for a thematic map series are legends and dynamic text. For more information about using dynamic elements in a thematic map series, see Thematic map series and dynamic elements.

The following video shows how to make a thematic map series.

Play Video

  • Video length: 0:57
  • This video was created with ArcGIS Pro 3.2.

Benefits of a thematic map series

There are many reasons to create a thematic map series. You may have multiple proposals, and each requires its own layout. Or you may be working with a variety of data in a single area and need to show the data sets on separate layouts.

Using a thematic map series instead of individual layouts, you can make updates to a single map. You can update layers outside the radio group layer driving the thematic map series and have those changes shown on every page. You can make edits in the radio group layer to adjust the symbology, labels, or data for an individual page. Thematic map series can eliminate the need for multiple maps and layouts in some projects.