Connecting line segments for labeling

The Maplex Label Engine line connection options combine groups of individual line features with the same name into a single linear feature for the label engine. This is usually desirable because linear features, such as pipelines and utility networks, are often digitized as many small segments that must be connected to represent a single real-world feature. If the segments are not connected, the feature may appear to be overlabeled, with the same label repeated along its length for each segment. Line connection is applied when placing labels with the Regular Placement, and River Placement styles.

The line connection type lets you control how junctions are handled when lines are connected. There are two options:

Line connection set with Minimize labels option
Line connection set with Unambiguous type, which is the default

When line connection is on (Connect features checked), the label engine always connects line segments, so the number of output labels will not match the number of input label features.

In some cases, you may want to turn off the line connection, such as the following:

When line connection is turned off (Connect features unchecked), you have access to the Multipart Option drop-down menu. Here you can specify how many labels will be placed per feature:

Steps:
  1. Enable the Maplex Label Engine.
  2. Click the Label Manager button Label Manager on the Labeling toolbar.
  3. Check the box next to the layer you want to label.
  4. Choose a label class under the layer.
  5. Click the Properties button.
  6. Click the Label Density tab.
  7. Specify how you want the features connected or if you want them to be unconnected for labeling.

    Check the Connect features check box.

    Then click the Options button to open the Line Connection Options dialog box and click one of the line connection type labeling strategies—Minimize labels or Unambiguous.

    Uncheck the Connect features check box.

    Then click the Multipart Option drop-down list and select one of the options—One label per feature, One label per feature part, or One label per feature segment.

  8. Click OK.
TipTip:
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.
3/3/2014