In ArcGIS, which function allows for the automatic update of linked data across multiple map layouts?

The function that facilitates the automatic update of linked data across multiple map layouts in ArcGIS is the Map Series. This feature allows users to create a series of maps (such as individual pages) that can dynamically update based on a common set of data or geographic features. Each page in the Map Series can reflect different extents or attributes of the data, ensuring consistency across all layouts.

For instance, if new data is added or existing data is modified, the Map Series automatically adjusts all the pages linked to that data, maintaining uniformity across the entire project without the need for manual updates on each layout. This is particularly advantageous in scenarios involving many similar maps that represent different areas or attributes, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in cartographic representation.

Dynamic text is a useful feature for inserting text elements in a layout that can reflect changes in attribute values, such as dates and titles, but it does not manage linked updates for entire layouts. Layer properties define how a layer is displayed or behaves within a map but do not inherently provide a mechanism for updating multiple layouts simultaneously. Data driven pages was a term often used in older versions of ArcGIS to describe similar functionality to Map Series but may not encapsulate the full capabilities now provided by the updated Map Series feature.