Skip to content

How to Use the ArcGIS Custom Metro Basemaps (Beta)

Note

This is a a evolving document. The most recent version can be found here: https://paper.dropbox.com/doc/How-to-Use-the-ArcGIS-Custom-Metro-Basemaps-Beta--BXvV18wSDfRYkWa0TXZJHoQyAQ-Be2QZfJXXMcAs7vr3D9IU

Metro has been working to develop a custom ArcGIS basemap — and it’s finally here! The vision for this basemap is to bring greater consistency across Metro’s maps, from static printed maps to online interactive applications, for all types of project and service maps.

Our new custom basemap will improve efficiency in creating branded online and printed maps by streamlining the styling process, reducing the amount of manual work required to style public-facing maps to Metro brand specifications.

This base map is currently in beta version 1.0.4 as of 6/23/21. It is available to select teams as Metro’s Design and Marketing teams refine the map and surrounding processes.

Metro’s ArcGIS Online environment includes shared update groups for individual projects and efforts, where files can be shared for collaboration with the Metro team. As with all public-facing information, please work with your Marketing Rep to gain access to the group for your project.

USE CASES The process for using the custom basemap will vary depending on the format of your final deliverable. Please follow instructions below based on the planned use for the map that you are developing. In some cases, you will have multiple uses and will need to follow both workflows for using this map.

Online Maps

For online maps, select the custom Metro basemaps in the “Custom Basemaps” Gallery. There are two versions:

  1. With cartographic Rail and Busway Layer: https://arcg.is/1OfD8H0

  2. Without cartographic Rail and Busway Layer: https://arcg.is/1Cf5bj

PDF/Printed/Detailed Maps

For maps appearing as PDFs, in print or that include more details and need to preserve vector resolution, please follow installation instructions below for use with ArcGIS Pro.

1. Instructions to Use the Basemap

Step 1.1. Install correct fonts We are currently unable to distribute our Brand Typefaces, Information Design and Microsoft Office fonts to outside partners due to licensing restrictions. https://brand.metro.net/frequently-asked-questions/

****You must have the following fonts installed in order for them to display properly on the basemap. https://brand.metro.net/downloads/ (password: email [Tiffany Huang][tiffany-huang])

Font List:

  • DIN Pro Regular
  • DIN Pro Medium
  • DIN Pro Medium Italic
  • DIN Pro Bold
  • DIN Pro Bold Italic
  • DIN Pro Italic
  • DIN Pro Condensed Black

Step 1.2. Open Project Package in ArcGIS Pro The file is hosted on ArcGIS Online: https://lametro.maps.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=a52f5be4dc894c48804a383c05b909ba

Step 1.3: Start using the basemap! Add your other layers; you have more flexibility in Pro to change layer ordering, etc. For public-facing maps, please work with Marketing to review deliverables to finalize for release and distribution.

If your map requires the Metro Design Studio to assist with specialized styling needed to finalize it for a public-facing use, follow these instructions: ****

2. Instructions to Export to Illustrator

From ArcGIS Pro From ArcGIS Pro, export an Illustrator compatible .aix file: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/help/sharing/overview/aix-export.htm (Note: This requires the ArcGIS Maps for Adobe Creative Cloud extension to open the AIX file in Illustrator; see item #3 below.)

  • On the ‘Share’ tab, click the green arrow that says ‘Map’; Export’

  • Settings:

  • Select ‘AIX’ as ‘File Type’

  • Make sure to uncheck ‘Embed fonts’

  • For more zoomed in scales with detailed street names, click to that view before exporting.

  • You can also add the map in a layout to further adjust the size and scale to export.

Note: maps can also be exported as a PDF.

From ArcMap +ArcGIS Reference for Map and Illustrator Compatible Exports

3. Instructions to Use in Illustrator

Step 1. Install the ArcGIS Maps for Adobe Creative Cloud Extension https://www.esri.com/en-us/arcgis/products/maps-for-adobecc/overview

**Step 2. Sign in to the LA Metro ArcGIS Online organization or ArcGIS Online organization partnered with LA Metro

**Step 3. Open the .aix file from Illustrator

Next Steps

This custom basemap is in beta, and we welcome your feedback. We’re also hoping to record trainings after more testing and feedback.

Provide your feedback!

See something that could work better here? Or want to tell us about your experience using this map? Provide comments here: +ArcGIS Custom Basemap — Beta User Comments

[ ] DCR has logged a known bug BUG-000140155 with Esri, on some names not showing up for small curved streets in Illustrator [ ] DCR may log another bug for corrupted font symbols…. (testing for replication to determine need for bug log)

Add Observed Edits

See something on the map that’s not correct? Please add notes to this log for future updates: +ArcGIS Custom Metro Basemap – Edits Log

Other Versions in Development

Metro is interested in building on this base map to further improve efficiency in creating public-facing maps. If you have ideas beyond those listed below, please add to the +ArcGIS Custom Basemap — Beta User Comments

[ ] Explore a version with all building footprints when more zoomed in, that can be used for First/Last Mile, more detailed zoomed in views, etc. [ ] Explore vector tile improvements with ArcGIS Pro v2.8 [ ] When ArcGIS Online supports more custom labels and cartography, perhaps the online map can use vector tile layers

Other References

For CMYK maps in ArcGIS Pro

  • Enable Project> Options> Color Management to change the display of colors. The default settings and it seems to improve the representation of CMYK.

ArcGIS Pro

Local Environment For setting up a local environment for ArcGIS Pro, this folder contains the necessary data and files: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lOuGFhkv2O6AQBpGKVj7MCkb-nDQ5be9?usp=sharing

  • Reference Delivery Notes – this doc details the contents and installation steps for a local environment

Other Reference Maps

Former Draft Vector Basemap: (For online maps) ****https://arcg.is/0OSTGW1

Custom Metro Basemap with non-cartographic, interim Rail and Busway Layer: (For online maps) ****https://arcg.is/WXCHG

Styling

Project Styling Notes +ArcGIS Map Styling – Projects

Project Map Guidelines https://www.dropbox.com/sh/65g11yygk38h5nu/AACX3cIDsXYSl5FFXdHz9iQ_a?dl=0

StoryMaps Styling +StoryMaps – Resources & Styling

Last update: 2022-06-14
Back to top