In ArcGIS Pro, labels are text elements displayed on the map that are associated with features in a layer. Labels are essential for visualizing important information, such as names or attribute values. Proper label configuration ensures clarity and prevents labels from cluttering the map. This is especially important for layers with many features or lengthy labels, where adjustments may be necessary to maintain readability.
For example, the “buildings” layer can display labels showing name, usage, or height. The “road_network” layer may use labels for street names, types, or widths. The “water_network” layer might include river names and flow details, while the “plant_cover” layer can label land use and vegetation types.
Simple Labels
To create simple labels in ArcGIS Pro, select the layer from the “Contents” panel and go to the “Labeling” tab. In this tab, make sure “Label” is enabled in the “Layer” group. Then, in the “Label Class” group, choose the field to be displayed using the “Field” option. The “Text Symbol” group allows configuration of label font and size, and the “Label Placement” group determines the label’s position, using options like “Basic Polygon” or “Boundary”.
Configuring labels in ArcGIS Pro.

Combined Labels
In cases where label information is derived from multiple fields, expressions can be used. For example, in the “plant_cover” layer, both area and units may be shown together. After selecting the layer and enabling labels, go to the “Label Class” panel and choose the field with the numeric values (such as “Area”).
To round the values and append the unit (e.g., hectares), click “Expression” and enter the following Arcade expression:
round(number($feature.Area), 2) + " ha"
“Area” can be replaced with the appropriate field name from the attribute table, and the number “2” indicates the number of decimal places. Text values, such as units, should be enclosed in quotation marks. Label format settings can be adjusted in the “Text Symbol” group.
Shows the setup of an expression to customize a label.

Labels for Specific Categories
Sometimes, labels are needed for a specific category only. For instance, in the case of contour lines, it may be necessary to label only the “Index” curves. To work with such data, load the “contour_lines” layer by navigating to “Map > Add Data > Data” and selecting the shapefile. This layer should be placed below existing line layers for clarity.
To style the “contour_lines” layer, use the field “Type” for classification. Suggested symbology includes: “Index” curves using gray lines (line width 1, RGB 78,78,78) and “Intermediate” curves with lighter gray (line width 0.4, RGB 178,178,178).
To label only “Index” lines, right-click the “contour_lines” layer and choose “Labeling Properties…”. In the “Label Class” panel, go to the “Class” tab, click the SQL button, and create a new expression: set the “Type” field to “is equal to” and select “Index”. Apply the changes to display only the desired labels.
Setting up a SQL expression in the “Label Class” panel.

To improve label appearance, go to the “Labeling” tab, expand “Label Placement”, and choose “Contours”. Then, in “Labeling Properties…” under the “Symbol” tab, select a white “Halo” with size 1. This helps labels stand out clearly against contour lines.
Setting up labels for contours and assigning a “Halo”
