Data Driven Pages

This is a feature of ArcGIS Desktop that lets you create a map series based on an index. The index has polygons that define the extent of each page in the series. The index can be a grid or a strip (eg following a river channel) or really any random series of rectangles defining each page.

Let's say I want to create a map series for a long bike ride. I'd do a common layout and then define the extent of each leg of the ride.

1. I create a route in Garmin's BaseCamp. Make sure you create enough via points.
2. Select the route and then File->Export "Selected User Data"
3. Save the route as a GPX file
4. Convert the route to a track and then select the track.
5. File->Export "Selected User Data"
6. Save the track as another GPX file
7. In ArcGIS, use tool "GPX to features (Conversion)" to convert the route and track.

The track is for a visual reference. The route is for creating the index.

Page definition queries

A page definition query allows you to control what shows up on a given page.

Can I have an overview dataframe appear on each map?

Can I rotate each map so that I have direction of travel instead of north up?

Can I turn layers on or off on a page?

Can I turn on or off features like north arrows or scale bars?

Can I have a block of text appear on only certain pages? For example, attribution for a layer.