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How to Create Layouts for Strip Logs

Layout files (.pagx) created in ArcGIS Pro are used to create strip logs.

Layout files are saved layouts created in ArcGIS Pro that can be shared between users or across projects. They can be used as a template for new projects and can create consistency across a set of layouts or throughout an organization. In this workflow, we use Layout files (.pagx) to create strip logs.

In order to use a layout for creating Strip Logs, the Layout should contain at least one chart frame, one text frame, and one map frame (as a place for the lithology symbology to go).

Layout files can either contain map frames and elements that reference maps and layers, or contain empty map frames that don't reference maps and layers. Empty map frames can be populated after the layout file is imported, and the referenced surround elements will update accordingly.

It is very important to use a generic layout, which does not reference maps and layers, as the starting point for the strip log report.

We have provided some example layouts to get you started, but you are welcome to customize these to meet your needs; you can also create a new layout file by going to Insert > New Layout.

You can read more about creating layouts in ArcGIS Pro here: Layouts in ArcGIS Pro.

Layout Tips:

In order to use a layout for creating Strip Logs, the Layout should contain at least one chart frame, one text frame, and one map frame (as a place for the lithology symbology to go). If the layout file is missing any of these types on import, it will give an error. Usually, a layout will have many chart frames and one or more map frames, depending on how many numerical and categorical data types you wish to plot.
Remember to SAVE the Layout file once you have made any adjustments, such as adding new frames, re-sizing, moving, or re-positioning any of the frames. Save the current layout by going to the Contents pane and right-clicking on the "Strip Logs" element at the top of the contents list. Choose "Save as Layout File" and either specify a new file name or overwrite the working copy.
Make sure to re-import any new or modified layout if you are continuing to create Strip logs after modifying the layout.

Map Frames:

Map frames are used to display categorical (text based) data attributes, such as lithology, alteration, mineralization, or any other attribute that is non-numeric.
Each map frame can contain several 'strips' of categorical data as long as they all share the same source Feature Class. On the Appearance tab, the Offset option can be used to place the attributes to either side of the trace, so all are visible.
For each Feature class containing text-based data attributes, you will need one Map Frame on the Layout.
Be sure to make the Map Frame the same size as the Chart Frames in height on the page; use the Placement options on the Format Map Frame tool pane to do this.
You can also lock the map and chart frames in place once they have been created, so that they don't get accidentally moved.

Chart Frames:

Chart frames are used to display numerical data attributes, such as assay data, geochemical results, or any numerical measurements made down hole.
Charts can be formatted as either bar charts, or line charts. Both types of charts can have one, or more than one data attribute shown.
Create Chart frames so that they are the same size, and are aligned exactly at the top and bottom of the frames. You can use the Placement tab on the Format Chart Frame tool pane to do this.
You can also lock the map and chart frames in place once they have been created, so that they don't get accidentally moved.

Text Frames:

Text frames are used to quickly add predefined text strings, such as adding the current hole ID to the report title, adding the collar location and the drillhole trace information to the page layout.
These text frames are placeholders only; they do not need to contain any text, and if they do, that text will be ignored.

Legends:

Legends can be added to strip log layouts in two ways:

You can add a Legend frame to the Layout and save it. You would then need to link it to the map frame that contains the categorical data in order to have the legend show these values.
When adding categorical data to the map frames, you can choose to automatically add a legend on the Appearance tab of the strip logs tool. This will create a legend frame and place it in the lower left corner of the layout. You will be able to move it to a different position, and that new position on the layout will be preserved.

Other Layout Items:

You are welcome to add any customizations you want to the strip log layouts in order to ensure the format of the report meets your needs. Some examples include company logos, custom title blocks or additional text, markings to indicate zones of interest on the hole and more.

Layout files (pagx) created in ArcGIS Pro are used to create strip logs. We have provided some example layouts to get you started, but you are welcome to customize these to meet your needs.