Adding and Importing Data

There are several ways to add data.
1.Click and drag data from ArcCatalog into your ArcMap
2.Use "Add Data" menu button and Connect to Folder

To select multiple files, hold Shift key button.


http://magic.lib.uconn.edu/help/help_WMS.htm - Adding Geospatial Data from a Web Mapping Service (WMS)

Accessing Data in ArcGIS
Many sources for data exist and can be accessed through ArcMAp and ArcCatalog. Sometimes you will want to download data files to your local machine and then add them to the map document. By saving files locally, you maximize loading speed and can update or edit these files as needed.
Another option is to link to remote data sources either over a local area network or the internet. Some agencies make data products available online and ArcMap is able to add such resources to your map document. In this case editing is not usually possible but you can access large datsets that are regularly updated without having to manage or store them locally.

To add layers from the GISPUBLIC directory in ArcMap:
• Click the “Add Data” icon.
• A browser window will show all available storage connections.
• Click on the “epsci.wustl.edugispublic” drive.
• Browse to files of interest and select to add.

GISPUBLIC directories containing files of local interest include:
• Architecture: Layers specific to St. Louis City.
• StLouisCountyPlanning: Layers for St. Louis County.
Connecting to Online Data Resources
Base layer data such as imagery, street maps, and topography can be accessed through web-based services from commercial or public sources. One source for ArcGIS users is through ESRI''s ArcGIS Online service. The “GIS Servers” folder in the “Add Data” window contains wizards that will guide you through the process of connecting to other types of online GIS services. One such service is offered by the Missouri Spatial Data Information Service. MSDIS offers online access to 2 foot resolution aerial imatges of eastern Missouri among other data layers.Visit their website for more information.
For example, streetmap, aerial photos, and other data can be accessed from ESRI using the Add GIS Server wizard.

In ArcGIS, how do I add a field to a dataset or table?
To add a field to a dataset or table in ArcGIS, use one of the following procedures:
Adding a field in ArcMap
1. In ArcMap''s Table of Contents, right-click the desired data layer, and then select Open Attribute Table.
2. At the bottom of the Attributes window, click Options, and then select Add field. If the Add field button is grayed out, make sure you are not in an editing session.
3. In the Add Field window, set the parameters of the new field.
Note: You cannot change the parameters once you add the new field. For detailed information about ArcGIS data types, see ESRI Help''s Geodatabase field data types.
Adding a field in ArcCatalog
Note: Close your table or dataset in ArcMap before adding a field in ArcCatalog, or a sharing violation may prevent you from adding the field.
1. On the left, in the catalog tree, select the folder where the dataset is located.
2. On the right, from the catalog view, right-click the dataset or table, and then select Properties.
3. Select the Fields tab.
4. At the bottom of the "Field Name" column, type the name of your new field in the blank text box.
5. In the "Data Type" field, use the drop-down list to select the data type.
Note: You cannot change the parameters once you add the new field. For more on ArcGIS data types, see ESRI Help''s Geodatabase field data types.
6. When you are finished adding fields, click OK.
Adding a field to a coverage in ArcCatalog
1. Open a coverage in ArcCatalog, and then open the appropriate folder feature type (e.g., polygon, point, arc, or label). The Coverage Feature Class Properties window will appear.
2. To add a field, under the Items tab, click Add.
3. If the Add button is grayed out, click any item in the table to activate it. If the Add button stays grayed out, verify that you are working with an ArcInfo license. This license is necessary for coverage editing in ArcGIS Desktop.
4. When you are finished adding fields, click OK.








If You Are New to MapWindow- http://www.mapwindow.org/

Adding Geospatial Data from a Web Mapping Service (WMS)
Connecting to Online Data Resources
Working with CAD Data in GIS
ArcGIS Explorer !!!