Overview

The Insert Legend tool creates and inserts a legend table for the currently classified TIN Surface. The legend is generated directly from the surface’s classification type and class definitions (ranges, colors, and descriptions), so what you see in the legend matches how the surface is rendered. 

When to use the Insert Legend tool

Use Insert Legend when you need a clear, printable explanation of the surface symbology for: 

• design drawings and plan sheets 
• reporting (area by elevation/slope/aspect ranges) 
• reviewing and communicating surface categories to others 

How to access 

TIN Surface Manager → Create Features → Insert Legend 

Prerequisites 

Before inserting a legend, the surface must be classified: 

1. Open the TIN Surface Settings. 
2. Choose the Variable used for classification: 
   • Elevation 
   • Slope 
   • Aspect 
3. Define the Number of Classes and assign a Color Palette. 
4. (Optional) Edit any class ranges and descriptions in the class table. 
5. Click OK to apply. The TIN surface will render using the selected classification and class colors. 

What Insert Legend creates 

When executed, Insert Legend builds a table using the current classification setup, including: 

• the legend title (based on the classification variable, e.g., Elevation) 
• a row for each class showing: 
  • the color used on the surface 
  • the range for that class (e.g., Min–Max) 
  • the description (if provided) 
• Depending on your legend layout, it may also include summary columns such as: 
  • Area 
  • Percent (%) 
  • and a TOTAL row 
• (See the sample legend table in the screenshot.) 

Basic workflow 

1. In TIN Surface Manager, ensure the desired TIN surface is selected. 
2. Confirm the surface is classified (Elevation / Slope / Aspect) and rendered correctly. 
3. Click Create Features → Insert Legend. 
4. When prompted, pick an insertion point in the drawing. 
5. The legend table is placed at the chosen location. 

Usability notes 

• The legend reflects the current classification at the time you insert it. 
  If you later change class ranges, colors, or classification type, insert a new legend to match the updated rendering. 
• If your class descriptions are blank, the legend will still insert (descriptions may appear empty). 

Tips for best results 

• Set descriptions first: If you want labels like “Low”, “Moderate”, “Steep”, fill the Description column before inserting the legend. 
• Choose a readable insertion area: Place the legend in open space or a layout area reserved for notes/tables. 
• Keep class counts reasonable: 6–12 classes are typically readable on sheets; too many classes can make the legend crowded. 
• Match your unit expectations: If using Slope, confirm whether your workflow expects percent or degrees in classification, and keep it consistent across drawings. 
• Reinsert after edits: If you adjust the palette, ranges, or number of classes, regenerate the legend so it stays accurate. 

Troubleshooting

The legend doesn’t match the surface colors 

• You likely changed the surface classification after inserting the legend. Run Insert Legend again to update it.

Legend inserts, but rows are missing or unexpected 

• Check the Number of Classes and make sure the class table includes valid min/max ranges and colors.

Insert Legend is disabled or produces no output

• Select a valid TIN surface and set a classification variable (Elevation, Slope, or Aspect) in TIN Surface Settings.