Create a graduated symbols map to show symbols of graduated sizes to indicate numeric values, where larger symbols represent larger values. Graduated symbols maps use the Counts and amounts (Size) smart mapping symbol type. Graduated symbols maps help answer questions about data, such as: Where is it located? Where is it biggest? Where is it smallest?
Graduated symbols make it easy to distinguish between low and high values, allowing you to show differences and make comparisons on a map. Adjust the size of the symbols to clarify the story you're telling.
Example
An insurance company is conducting an assessment to determine how many of its policies are within a storm surge area, and the associated risk. A graduated symbols map using the sum of total insured values (TIV) can be used to determine which storm surge areas have the highest value of policies.
The above graduated symbols map is the result of a spatial aggregation between the insurance policies and storm surge layers. The map indicates the highest TIV on the southern tip with the largest symbol.
Create a graduated symbols map
To create a graduated symbols map, complete the following steps:
- Expand a dataset in the data pane so that the fields are visible.
- Select a number field
.Tip:
You can search for fields using the search bar in the data pane.
- Drag the field to the page to the Map drop zone.
Note:
You can also create a map by selecting a field and clicking the Map button above the data pane.
A graduated symbols map is created using Counts and amounts (Size) as the Symbol type.
A graduated symbols map is also created when you perform spatial aggregation.
Usage notes
To access the Layer options pane, click the arrow next to the layer name. You can do the following in the Layer options pane:
- Use the Legend tab
to view the classification values and counts for each class, and to make selections based on classes. - Use the Symbology tab
to do the following:- Change the field displayed on the map or switch to a different type of map.
- Change the statistics for the display field. This option is only available if location was enabled on the dataset with aggregated features or if the dataset was created through spatial aggregation. For more information, see Enable locations for your data and Spatial aggregation.
- Change the classification type and number of classes.
- Change, add, or remove the Divide by field.
- Use the Annotation tab
to configure the map pop-ups for the layer and enable labels. - Use the Appearance tab
to do the following:- Symbols—Change the symbol style properties, such as symbol size, fill color, outline thickness and color, and layer transparency.
- Layer effects—Enable bloom and drop shadow effects.
- Use the Attributes tab
to view details for features that are selected on the map.
Use the Card filter button 
to remove any unwanted data from the card. Filters can be applied to all string, number, rate/ratio, and date/time fields. A card filter does not affect other cards using the same dataset.
Use the Selection tools button 
to select features on the map using the single select, box select, and lasso tools; zoom to the selection; or invert the selection.
Use the Zoom tools button 
to zoom in or out on the map, zoom to a selection, set the default extent of the map, zoom to a layer, or lock navigation on the map.
Use the Visualization type button 
to switch directly between a graduated symbols map and other visualizations, such as a reference table, KPI card, or histogram.
Use the Sync extents button 
to link the extent of all maps on the page so they zoom and pan simultaneously.
Use the Maximize button 
to enlarge the card. Other cards on the page will be reduced to thumbnails. The card can be returned to its previous size using the Restore down button 
.
Use the Enable cross filters button 
to allow filters to be created on the card using selections on other cards. Cross filters can be removed using the Disable cross filters button 
.
Use the Flip card button 
to view the back of the card. The Card info tab 
includes statistics and a text box for a description of the card.
Use the Card options button 
to access the following options:
- Appearance button —Change the background color, foreground color, border of the card, and map rotation, and add or remove the basemap layers and north arrow.
- Order button
—Move the card forward or move the card backward relative to other cards on the page. - Delete button
—Remove the card from the page. If you did not intend to delete the card, you can retrieve it using the Undo button 
.
Resources
Use the following resources to learn more about maps: