Move Text Box automatically when using Data Driven Pages

Question

I have a map series set up to use data driven pages. My problem is that I have a text box that uses dynamic text that overlaps with the boundary of the data driven feature (in this case, a town line). Is there a way (an option or setting) that I can use to make it not overlap with the data driven feature?

This is similar to this question: Move TEXT_ELEMENT using arcpy.mapping and data driven pages

but I don't want to set up a script for this one change to the map.

Answer 1

I've run into this before when generating a series of Exhibit Maps based on parcel shapes. While I am not aware of any methods available to avoid Graphic Layout Elements from overlapping with specific features, I have used a workaround to the same effect.

Typically, I follow these steps:

1. Make a duplicate of the feature class (or optionally, the selection set from it).
2. Set Data Driven Pages to use this new feature class instead of your old one.
3. Set the symbology for the new feature class to completely transparent. (or you can wait til you're ready to export the map series to do this).
4. I would advise you add a Scale column to the new feature class. You can set Data Driven Pages to use the scale listed for the given record, which will help better position your data-driven feature on the page.
5. Manually adjust the transparent shapes as needed to nudge the center of the actual shape away from your dynamic text box. This will involve reshaping the feature so that its extent goes opposite of the direction you want to nudge it. If you want the shape to move to the left, reshape the transparent feature so that it gets bigger to the right.