Setting up a layout for map automation
To create your custom map series, you need to first create a layout that contains all the elements you will need. In most cases, your layout will include the following elements, with many of the elements defined before you start writing Python code:
- A map frame for your main map
- A legend with any static data properly styled
- A scale bar
- A north arrow
- A text box for the title
- A map frame for an inset map
Optionally, you may also include the following elements:
- Text boxes for additional information
- Additional map frames as needed
You need to make sure that all of the settings that you cannot change using ArcPy are already set correctly for your map. Often, this is an iterative process of changing your map extent and exporting sample pages to ensure all the settings are correct. In this case study, we have already done that and created a layout for you in the Chapter12.aprx...
