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ArcGIS desktop features to tables and attributes ArcGIS Desctop: ArcMap is the application primarily used to examine data, query attributes, conduct spacial analysis and design maps for output ArcCatalog is used to browse and manage spatial data. Similar to Microcoft Windows Explorer ArcToolbox is used to import and convert data into different formats, re-project geographic data and to conduct spatial analysis What is Arc GIS Desktop? Arc GIS Desktop includes a suite of integrated applications: Arc Map Arc Catalog Arc Toolbox Using these three applications together, you can perform any GIS task, simple to advanced, including mapping, data management, geographic analysis, data editing, and geoprocessing 4/4/2006 layer All layers are stored in the State Plane Coordinate System, Florida East region, using the NAD83 HARN datum [data structures] The visual representation of a geographic dataset in any digital map environment. Conceptually, a layer is a slice or stratum of the geographic reality in a particular area, and is more or less equivalent to a legend item on a paper map. On a road map, for example, roads, national parks, political boundaries, and rivers might be considered different layers. [ESRI software] In ArcGIS, a reference to a data source, such as a shapefile, coverage, geodatabase feature class, or raster, that defines how the data should be symbolized on a map. Layers can also define additional properties, such as which features from the data source are included. Layers can be stored in map documents (.mxd) or saved individually as layer files (.lyr). Layers are conceptually similar to themes in ArcView 3.x. ArcGIS http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ArcGIS ArcGIS is a suite consisting of a group of geographic information system (GIS) software products produced by ESRI. At the desktop GIS level, ArcGIS can include: ArcReader, which allows one to view and query maps created with the other Arc products; ArcView, which allows one to view spatial data, create layered maps, and perform basic spatial analysis; ArcEditor which, in addition to the functionality of ArcView, includes more advanced tools for manipulation of shapefiles and geodatabases; or ArcInfo which includes capabilities for data manipulation, editing, and analysis. There are also server-based ArcGIS products, as well as ArcGIS products for PDAs. Extensions can be purchased separately to increase the functionality of ArcGIS. ArcGIS Desktop [edit] Product levels ArcGIS Desktop is available at different product levels, with increasing functionality. ArcReader (freeware, viewer) is a basic data viewer for maps and GIS data published in the proprietary ESRI format using ArcGIS Publisher. The software also provides some basic tools for map viewing, printing and querying of spatial data. ArcReader is included with any of the ArcGIS suite of products, and is also available for free to download. ArcReader only works with preauthored published map files, created with ArcGIS Publisher.[18] ArcView is the entry level of ArcGIS licensing offered. With ArcView, one is able to view and edit GIS data held in flat files, or view data stored in a relational database management system by accessing it through ArcSDE. ArcEditor is the midlevel software suite designed for advanced editing of spatial data published in the proprietary ESRI format. It provides tools for the creation of map and spatial data used in GIS, including the ability of editing geodatabase files and data, multiuser geodatabase editing, versioning, raster data editing and vectorization, advanced vector data editing, managing coverages, coordinated geometry (COGO), and editing geometric networks. ArcEditor is not intended for advanced spatial analysis.[19] ArcInfo allows users the most flexibility and control in "all aspects of data building, modeling, analysis, and map display."[20] ArcInfo includes increased capability in the areas of spatial analysis, geoprocessing, data management, and others.[19] Other desktop GIS software include ArcGIS Explorer and ArcGIS Engine. ArcGIS Explorer is a GIS viewer which can work as a client for ArcGIS Server, ArcIMS, ArcWeb Services and Web Map Service (WMS). [edit] Components ArcGIS Desktop consists of several integrated applications, including ArcMap, ArcCatalog, ArcToolbox, and ArcGlobe. ArcCatalog is the data management application, used to browse datasets and files on one''s computer, database, or other sources. In addition to showing what data is available, ArcCatalog also allows users to preview the data on a map. ArcCatalog also provides the ability to view and manage metadata for spatial datasets.[21] ArcMap is the application used to view, edit and query geospatial data, and create maps. The ArcMap inferface has two main sections, including a table of contents on the left and the data frame(s) which display the map. Items in the table of contents correspond with layers on the map.[22] ArcToolbox contains geoprocessing, data conversion, and analysis tools, along with much of the functionality in ArcInfo. It is also possible to use batch processing with ArcToolbox, for frequently repeated tasks.[23] Each version of ArcGIS Desctop includes the sane 3 applications: ArcMap, ArcCatalog, and ArcToolbox ArcGIS Desktop Tutorial http://libinfo.uark.edu/GIS/tutorial.asp Section 1: Getting Started with ArcGIS: ArcCatalog, ArcMap, and ArcToolbox ArcGIS Applications Description: Gives a brief description of the common uses and functions that each ArcGIS application (ArcCatalog, ArcMap, and ArcToolbox) has to offer. Data Retrieval: Describes some of the sources of spatial data along with some of the types of spatial data that can be found. The Geospatial Data and Attributes webpage should be further consulted if the user wishes to acquire links to United States and international data resources (free, governmental, and proprietary). ArcGIS Supported Data Formats: Describes the data formats that may be used within any of the ArcGIS applications. Some data types may be automatically brought in, and others may need to be brought in using an import utility. Explains how to open data. Viewing Data in ArcCatalog: Familiarizes the user to the ArcCatalog interface. Explains how to open data within the ArcCatalog application and view the data in spatial and/or tabular format. Viewing Data in ArcMap: Familiarizes the user to the ArcMap interface. Explains the various ways in which a user can open and view their spatial data set. Describes the concept of overlaying spatial data sets with the same coordinate system information, and the process of arranging a data set so that it can be made visible. It also describes what is contained within a data set''s attribute table, and the many ways in which the user may view and/or manipulate the attribute layer''s contents. Using ArcToolbox: Describes the ArcToolbox interface and the variety of tools available to the user. Section 2: Manipulating Display Parameters in ArcMap Symbolizing Features and Rasters: Describes how the user may quickly change a feature''s or a raster''s symbology. In more detail, it describes how to change a feature''s symbology using categorical attributes. Classifying Features and Rasters: Describes the process of classifying features and rasters using one of the four scaled symbology methods: Graduated Color, Graduated Symbol, Proportional Symbol, and Dot Density. Labeling Features: Describes the two main types of labels (dynamic and interactive) and how each can be created and manipulated. Section 3: Querying Data in ArcMap Identifying, Selecting, and Finding Features: Describes how to quickly retrieve information about features through the processes of identifying, selecting, and/or finding. Selecting Features by Attributes: Describes how to perform an attribute query that will automatically select features within the map display that meet specified criteria. Selecting Features by Location: Describes how to perform queries that will select features within the map display that meet a particular location and/or spatial relationship requirement. Creating ArcMap Layers from Selected Features: Describes how to create a layer that contains only features that have been selected by one of the many selection methods. Section 4: Preparing Data for Analysis Selecting Features: Describes the steps taken to clip multiple features from a data layer using the features of another data layer, using ArcToolbox. Clipping Features: Describes the steps taken to clip features within one layer based on the features within another, using ArcToolbox. Dissolving Features: Describes the steps taken to dissolve multiple features within a data set into one feature, using ArcToolbox. Exporting Data: Describes a way in which the user can create a NEW DATASET that contains ONLY selected features within an existing data set. Projecting Data for Display in ArcMap: Describes the necessity of changing data layer''s coordinate system information (if they will be used within the same GIS) so that they match each other. It describes what ArcMap does by default if they do not match. Projecting and Defining the Coordinate System or Spatial Reference: Describes the process of ACTUALLY creating a new data layer of identical features but with a different coordinate system. ArcToolbox is used to describe this process. Section 5: Analyzing Spatial Data Buffering Features: Describes how to create a distance buffer using the Buffer Wizard in ArcMap. Overlaying Features: Describes the concept of GIS overlay operations. Explains how to perform a union overlay as well as an intersect overlay, using ArcMap''s GeoProcessing Wizard. Calculating Attribute Values: Explains how new values may be created within a layer''s attribute table,and gives examples as to why this operation may be useful. Section 6: Making and Printing Maps Using ArcMap Using a Map Template to Create a Map: Explains what map templates are, how they can be used, and what types of templates are available. Describes the process of adding all map elements to a map template. Creating Maps Without Using a Map Template: Describes the process of creating a map without using a map template. Explains how to add map data, a map title, a north arrow, a scale bar, and a legend to the map layout and manipulate their properties. Selecting Print Options: Describes how to select the appropriate parameters in order to print the size and shape map preferred. ArcGIS Desktop Tutorials http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.2/index.cfm?TopicName=Tutorials ArcMAP Tutorial ArcMap=ArcView http://74.125.155.132/search?q=cache:bukbsiSl5bIJ:webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.2/pdf/ArcMap_Tutorial.pdf+arcmap+gis+tutorial&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us Arc Map Arc Map is the central application in Arc GIS Desktop. It is the GIS application used for all map-based tasks including cartography, map analysis, and editing. In this application, you are work with maps. Maps have a page layout containing a geographic window, called a data frame, with a series of layers, legends, scale bars, North arrows, and other elements. Arc Map offers different ways to view a map. a geographic data view and a layout view. in which you can perform a broad range of advanced GIS tasks. Making Maps Using ArcMaps http://docs.google.com/gview?a=v&q=cache:E73XLi88CDwJ:libinfo.uark.edu/GIS/tutorials/tutorial6.pdf+arcmap+tutorial&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESh4RYKvtl7G0nXtzvNt-EP4JegOBM7A0aky2NnWddAeEspnay6yucU5gC4Ivk4eNPOgApD4-KHGao3zTNjsOGiefVm-sPruuNkd_dCNpFTyIuV3qxsykDiNXymNlYjSNFfod0hL&sig=AFQjCNF8LwX4td34dqMX4FoZf-2ieax0Ug ArcMap http://74.125.155.132/search?q=cache:sd_etPAxnUsJ:www.trincoll.edu/depts/cc/documentation/GIS/HowToArcMap.pdf+arcmap+tutorial&cd=5&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us at tcdataGISSampleMapsConnecticut. What is ArcMap?ArcMap is an application that allows you to create and interact with maps. You can view, symbolize, edit,and analyze your geographic data. ArcMap has a variety of tools that you can use for your data includingArcCatalog and ArcToolbox. Below is an example of a screen shot of what your average ArcMap screenwill look like. Your map display and table of contents will vary depending on the project you are workingon Exploring ArcMap http://people.revoledu.com/kardi/tutorial/GIS/ArcMap.htm ArcMap Tutorial http://74.125.155.132/search?q=cache:GN5thMA2-xMJ:www.wvview.org/ArcMap_Tutorial.pdf+arcmap+tutorial&cd=7&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us Introduction to ArcCatalog http://docs.google.com/gview?a=v&q=cache:ixo1U58bfY4J:www.pop.psu.edu/gia-core/pdfs/gis_rd_02-14.pdf+arccatalog+gis&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjtH5DjdbLEo-37lhlcd5MKf9J2eTwCFbebPxOqSgKa_L9t1HCmfZs7B4bsofQCim6oAJ8RbvavesPC3lp78sCWrDBfv6G6ib6uV1Ffsf8cMsT-DxC24H2BMYQpW9JKHiWbA9z3&sig=AFQjCNEv0-P52pCzdWiSjg1pTnDha02Hjg Connecting to GIS servers http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.2/index.cfm?TopicName=Connecting_to_GIS_servers ArcCatalog http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.2/index.cfm?TopicName=An_overview_of_ArcCatalog Arc Catalog The Arc Catalog application helps you organize and manage all of your GIS data. It includes tools for browsing and finding geographic information, recording, viewing, and managing metadata, quickly viewing any dataset, and defining the schema structure for your geographic data layers. Geographic information exists in many forms, including relational databases, files, ArcGIS documents, and remote GIS web services. ArcGIS applications work together to allow you to work with geographic information and other ancillary data that exist in various data sources, including datasets, relational databases, and many file types and schemas. ArcCatalog helps GIS users by providing an integrated and unified view of all the data files, databases, and ArcGIS documents available to ArcGIS users. Unlike other data (a photo or Word document), geographic datasets often consist of a set of files, rather than a single file. When listed in Windows Explorer, the datasets appear as a list of system folders and files, whereas ArcCatalog displays and manages the datasets as single entities. ArcCatalog is the program you use to organize and manage these various datasets and documents in both file-based workspaces and in geodatabases. This program allows you to connect to your data source locations, browse through your workspaces, examine or explore the data, manage data, tables and metadata, and search for data and maps. The ArcCatalog application provides the necessary tools which allow you to: Browse and find geographic information Record, view, and manage metadata Define, export, and import geodatabase data models and datasets Search for and discover GIS data on local networks and the Web Create and manage the schemas of geodatabases Administer ArcSDE geodatabases Administer an ArcGIS server You can employ ArcCatalog to find, organize, and use GIS data as well as to document data holdings using standards-based metadata. Learn more about metadata A GIS database administrator uses ArcCatalog to define and build geodatabase schemas. Learn more about geodatabase schemas A GIS server administrator uses ArcCatalog to administer their ArcGIS server framework. Create Thumbnails in ArcCatalog http://gispathway.com/2009/05/18/create-thumbnails-in-arccatalog/ ArcCatalog has so many features, it is difficult to keep up with them all. One that is very helpful is the Create Thumbnail button. This allows you to create a thumbnail image of a file so that it can be viewed from the Contents Tab instead of the default thumbnail. The below example shows its application for a shapefile, but this can be applied to a variety of file types. GIS on Computer http://74.125.155.132/search?q=cache:8aRNJFgEgkMJ:www.napcsyr.org/dwnld-files/flash_course/fc_gis_en.ppt+arccatalog+gis&cd=5&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us Arc Toolbox http://support.esri.com/index.cfm?fa=knowledgebase.techarticles.gateway&p=43&pf=541 Arc Toolbox Arc Toolbox is a simple application containing many GIS tools used for geoprocessing. There are two versions of Arc Toolbox: The complete Arc Toolbox that comes with Arc Info. A version that comes with Arc View and Arc Editor. Note: Arc Map, Arc Catalog, and Arc Toolbox are designed to work together to perform all GIS tasks. For example, you can search for and find a map document in Arc Catalog, then double-click it to open it inside Arc Map. You can then edit and enhance your data through the tools available in the Arc Map editing environment. Once you have created new geographic information using these three applications, you can record metadata for the resulting datasets using Arc Catalog. ArcToolbox is a program that assists in certain common tasks. (Activate by clicking on the button while in ArcCatalog, or by launching the program separately from the Windows taskbar.) The tools are divided into different categories Introduction to ArcToolbox http://docs.google.com/gview?a=v&q=cache:VZ1XOxyQUfAJ:www.pop.psu.edu/gia-core/pdfs/gis_rd_02-15.pdf+arctoolbox+gis&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESh5mQuM54vlYp0WyGcGJxd35D9tXroRnFg032VqJghmIEYQMT0Ds0Z4r1XpE4TR3RX4EPa7rwgtkIvvIcKeBlgdFSPuZc88v0xTqi-1psgwzQsEktXFJra1mVTx0MjuhWlDm0Wf&sig=AFQjCNFZTiYDaaTxbU9Yo4oqZ9AbUMQ7zg ArcView http://www.esri.com/software/arcview/ Data Frame - groups sets of features (layers) displayed together. Listed in main table of contents and displays in main display area Map Document(*.mdx) - representation of a map that stores as Views, tables, maps, graphs, tables and micros Table of Content - lists data frames with the layers they display Layer represents a set of features of same type, such as streams, lakes, census tracts, or highwayys.Persists independently of data frame and can be shared with other users. Graph -graphic representation of information about map features and relationships between them. Types: bar, line and pie graphs. Map in Layout view - arrangement of data frames and map elements on a page. Geographic analysis tools allowed since map elements are ''live''. Can be dynamically altered using map elements. Only one layout is supported. VBA Macro - A macro written using Visual Basic for Applications Select by Location - Selects features based on their location to features of other layers. Select by attribute - selects features based on attributes Data EXPORT -exports selected features as new layer Add Data - adds new data layer to active data frame Show Selected - shows only selected records in a new table ArcView (ArcMap) tutorial http://libinfo.uark.edu/GIS/tutorial.asp This tutorial was designed for ArcGIS Desktop version 9.2 ArcInfo Functional Level (includes ArcView and ArcEditor functionality). It has adapted some of the concepts present within ESRI''s Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop book in order to allow a user to quickly get started with ArcGIS applications without actually having to go through the ESRI tutorial exercises. Instead, this tutorial is designed to help the user bring in their own spatial data of interest and manipulate it in a variety of ways. There are six sections that describe some of the common operations a user may need to know in order to manipulate and/or analyze their spatial datasets ArcView (ArcMap) tutorial http://128.118.47.58/tutorials/arcgis.asp ArcView 3.1 http://www.nws.noaa.gov/geodata/tutorial/avtutor.htm ArcMap dialog box http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.3/tutorials/getstart/GetStart_Ex2_1.htm ArcGIS desctop http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.2/index.cfm?TopicName=Saving_your_customizations A map document consist in two panels: the Table of Contents on the left and the map display (view) on the right Using the table of contents http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.2/index.cfm?TopicName=Using_the_table_of_contents Every map has a table of contents. The table of contents contains entries for the data used in the map. The display tab of the table of contents shows how layers are organized within data frames. The table of contents is used primarily to turn layers on and off, access the properties of layers, and rearrange layers to change the drawing order. You can display the table of contents with the Display, Source, or Selection tabs. The Display tab shows the layers in each data frame with the layers sorted by drawing order. Layers at the top of the list are drawn on top of layers lower in the list. You can drag and drop layers up and down in the list to control the drawing order. In the example graphic, the hillshade.img raster layer draws under the other layers, since it''s at the bottom of the list of layers. The Source tab shows the layers in each data frame with the layers organized by the folders or databases in which the data sources referenced by the layers can be found. This view will also list tables that have been added to the map document as data. The Selection tab shows a list of the layers in the active data frame and lets you check the ones you want to make selectable. This tab works like the Set Selectable Layers dialog box accessed from the Selection menu. You can adjust the look of the table of contents. For example, you might change the text size and font so that it makes a greater visual impact or is easier to read, or you might want to change the shape of the lines and patches that represent the features on a map. You can also dock the table of contents to the ArcMap interface, or you can make it a floating window, as in the graphic above ArcGIS Windows http://educationally.narod.ru/gisgraphphotoalbum.html map layers http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.3/index.cfm?TopicName=An_overview_of_GIS_web_map_layers Introduction to ArcGIS http://www.aims.org.af/services/training/training_courses/gis/introduction_to_arcgis1/introduction_to_arcgis1.pdf What''s New in ArcGIS 9.3.1 http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/whats-new/index.html Working with data frames http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.2/index.cfm?TopicName=Working_with_data_frames A data frame is the most fundamental element in a map document and in the ArcMap user interface. When you create a map, it contains a default data frame listed in the table of contents as Layers. The properties of a data frame define the context for the data with which you work; these include the coordinate system, measurement units, scale, the drawing order of layers, and so on. In ArcMap, data view isolates the contents of a data frame for you to edit or work with. Data frames and the table of contents are the primary ways to interact with geographic data in ArcMap. Data frames can be set to show data at all scales and extents, a specific scale, or a specific extent, depending on what you need your map to do. You can navigate or change the extent of a data frame to view data for specific locations using the pan and zoom tools in ArcMap. ArcMap has some requirements with respect to the data frame, which are A map must have at least one data frame. If you delete the only data frame while in layout view, it is immediately replaced. ArcMap always has an active data frame. This is the default target for many of the tools and commands in the ArcMap user interface. You may only edit the features in one data frame at a time. When you add data to a map, it must be added into a specific data frame. The layers in a data frame display in the same coordinate system and may overlap. To compare layers side by side or to create insets and overviews that highlight an area by using layers that don''t overlap, add additional data frames to your map. Focusing a data frame http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.2/index.cfm?TopicName=Focusing_a_data_frame layout view, you normally work with layout graphics and text, so when you switch to layout view, the ArcMap graphic tools initially apply only to these text elements. For example, if you use the Select Elements tool in layout view, by default it will only select layout graphics and text. Graphics and text stored in the data frame or in a geodatabase annotation feature class won''t be selected. In addition, if you add new text or graphics in layout view, they will be added to the layout by default. However, you can add focus to your data frame to allow you to work inside the data frame. Focusing allows you to work as if you were in data view without having to switch from layout view. Focusing a data frame In layout view, focusing the active data frame allows you to work with the features and elements in that data frame as though you were in data view. You can create, delete, and edit features, graphics, and text in a focused data frame. When working in layout view with an unfocused data frame, text and graphics that you draw are added to the page layout, stored in the units of the page, and won''t appear if you switch to data view. With a focused data frame, you can make additions and modifications to your map in the context of your map layout. For example, suppose you''ve used the Text tool to identify an ocean in data view but in layout view you see that the text is too close to the edge of the data frame. To correct this, you can simply put the data frame into focus and move the piece of text while you''re still in layout view rather than switching between views. When a data frame is in focus, a thick, diagonal line border will appear around it. ArcMap Tutorial http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.2/pdf/ArcMap_Tutorial.pdf Focusing a data frame http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.2/index.cfm?TopicName=Focusing_a_data_frame Looking at a map in data view and layout view http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.2/index.cfm?TopicName=Looking_at_a_map_in_data_view_and_layout_view layout_view http://mchp-appserv.cpe.umanitoba.ca/teaching/GISmanual/view_layout.shtml Customizing data frames http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.2/index.cfm?TopicName=Customizing_data_frames ArcMap: Working with multiple DataFrames http://amitreddy.wordpress.com/2008/04/26/arcmap-working-with-multiple-dataframes/ ArcMap Introduction http://www.colorado.edu/geography/foote/maps/assign/cityrank/tips_city_rank.html Map Window http://www.mapwindow.org/ Using the Layers Overview Window in ArcMap http://gispathway.com/2009/07/07/using-the-layers-overview-window-in-arcmap/ Map Maker PRO http://www.mapmaker.com/ The foundation of the system is the free GIS, Map Maker Gratis. If your mapping needs are basic simply use Map Maker Gratis for free. Map Maker Gratis and Map Maker Pro are in one program, so at any time you can unlock the power of Map Maker Pro The GIS Spatial Data Importing Window http://support.sas.com/documentation/cdl/en/apdatgis/60672/HTML/default/a000782530.htm The GIS Spatial Data Importing window provides an interactive facility for importing spatial data from other formats into SAS/GIS spatial databases. You use the GIS Spatial Data Importing window to specify the type of spatial data to import. To open the GIS Spatial Data Importing window, select File Import from the GIS Map window''s menu bar, or select Import from the map pop-up menu when no map is displayed. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elements of the Importing Window The GIS Spatial Data Importing window is divided into the following areas: Import Type Input Output command buttons The Import Type Area You use the Import Type field to specify the type of data you want to import. Click the arrow to the right of the Import Type field to display a list of available data types. Select a data type from this list to display it in the field. The Input Area You use the Input area of the window to specify the location of the spatial data files that you want to import. Additional information about each type of data is presented later in this chapter. The Input area contains the following three elements: A list, which can contain the names of variables you can select as ID variables or LAYER variables. ID variables apply only to SASGRAPH and GENPOLY import types. LAYER variables apply only to GENLINE and GENPOINT import types. A filename field, which displays the name of the spatial data file. You can either type the name in the field, or click the arrow to display the Open window and then select the file. Note: If you are importing an external file, the arrow opens the Open window. However, if the import type is SASGRAPH or generic (SAS data set), the Select a Member window appears so that you can select a SAS data set. An Other Files button, which allows you to select other files that are associated with the main spatial data file. Note: The Other Files button usually applies only to the TIGER, MAPINFO, and DYNAMAP import types. Other data types might not have any additional spatial data files. The Output Area The Output area of the window contains the following two sections: Map Entries You specify the storage location of the spatial database in this area. In the Library field, you specify a name for the library that you want to contain the catalog and its entries. You can type the name of an existing library in the field, use the drop-down menu to select an existing libref, or use the pull-out menu to assign a new libref. In the Catalog field, you specify a name for the SAS catalog that you want to contain the spatial database entries. You can type the name of a new catalog to be created, type the name of an existing catalog, or use the drop-down menu to select an existing catalog. In the Name field, you specify a name for the GIS map. By default, the Name field contains the name of the spatial data import type, for example, TIGER, ARC, DXF, and so on. You can supply your own GIS map name. This name is also used for the coverage entry and as the base name of the polygonal index data set by using the first three letters of the name, and then by adding up to the first five letters of the layer name. In the Action field, you select options regarding the catalog entries. The drop-down menu to the right of the field contains the following options: CREATE creates new catalog entries. REPLACE overwrites existing catalog entries. REPLACE will create new catalog entries if no entries exist for it to overwrite. UPDATE updates existing catalog entries. Spatial Data Sets In this area, you specify the name of the SAS library in which the chains, nodes, details, and polygonal index data sets are stored along with the base name for the chains, nodes, and details data sets and spatial entry. In the Library field, you specify a name for the library that you want to contain the data sets. You can type the name of an existing library in the field, use the drop-down menu to select an existing libref, or use the pull-out menu to assign a new libref. In the Name field, you specify a base name for the data sets. The chains, nodes, and details data set names are formed by adding a C, N, or D, respectively, to this base name. The base name is also used as the name for the spatial entry in the catalog. In the Action field, you select options regarding the data sets. The drop-down menu to the right of the field contains the following options: CREATE creates new data sets. REPLACE overwrites existing data sets. REPLACE creates new data sets if no data sets exist for it to overwrite. APPEND appends to existing data sets. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Command Buttons The command buttons appear in a row along the lower edge of the GIS Spatial Data Importing window. You use these buttons to perform actions on your data sets, open the SAS/GIS online help, or close the window. The following list describes the different functions of the command buttons: Import starts the importing process, provided that all required information has been supplied. Modify Composites opens a window to view and modify the default composites that are created during the import. Modify Layers opens a window to view and modify the default layer definitions that are created during the import. Close closes the GIS Spatial Data Importing window and returns to the GIS Map window with the imported map displayed. Cancel closes the GIS Spatial Data Importing window. If a map was imported, it is not displayed in the GIS Map window. Help opens the online Help facility for the GIS Spatial Data Importing window. The Help provides details on the steps for importing the corresponding type of spatial data. The GIS Spatial Data Importing Window The GIS Spatial Data Importing Window The GIS Spatial Data Importing window provides an interactive facility for importing spatial data from other formats into SAS/GIS spatial databases. Use the GIS Spatial Data Importing window to specify the type of spatial data to import. To open the GIS Spatial Data Importing window, select: File Import... from the GIS Map window''s menu bar, or select Import... from the map pop-up menu when no map is displayed http://www.tau.ac.il/cc/pages/docs/sas8/gis/z0782530.htm Getting to start!!! http://gis.hicentral.com/PubWebsite/Help/GettingStarted.htm#FloatingWindows The Web Mapping Application page has three main parts: Along the top, a set of links to this the Data Dictionary, a Feedback form and other websites A menu of tasks, plus the Toolbar for interacting with the map. Tasks enable you to find and interact with data. Available tasks may include, depending on the application: Find or search for features Find address Results Map Contents Overview Map Console, on the left side of the page, provides information about the map contents. New ArcGIS Mobile Application http://www.rockware.com/product/newFeaturesContent.php?id=188&category=208 GIS Tutorial http://hcl.harvard.edu/libraries/maps/gis/tutorials.cfm Creating a spatial bookmark http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.2/index.cfm?TopicName=Working_with_spatial_bookmarks A spatial bookmark identifies a particular geographic location that you want to save and reference later. For example, you might create a spatial bookmark that identifies a study area. As you pan and zoom around your map, you can easily return to the study area by accessing the bookmark. You can also use spatial bookmarks to highlight areas on your map you want others to see. You can create a spatial bookmark at any time. As a shortcut, you can create bookmarks when you find and identify map features. Spatial bookmarks, however, can only be defined on spatial data; they can''t be defined on an area of the page in layout view. Each data frame on your map maintains its own list of bookmarks. In layout view, the list reflects the bookmarks of the active data frame. Bookmarks can only be accessed inside a map document. To share bookmarks with others, you need to share your .mxd. How to start http://www.dhss.mo.gov/GIS/Faq.html Projections and cartography !!! http://wps.prenhall.com/esm_clarke_gsgis_4/7/1848/473129.cw/index.html ArcGIS data types http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.1/body.cfm?tocVisable=1&ID=1469&TopicName=arcgis%20data%20types When creating tables, you will need to select a data type for each field in your table. The available types include a variety of number types, text, date, binary large objects (BLOBs), or globally unique identifiers (GUIDs). Choosing the correct data type allows you to correctly store the data and will facilitate your analysis, data management, and business needs Numeric data types Numeric fields can be stored as one of four numeric data types: short integers; long integers; single-precision floating point numbers, often referred to as floats; and double-precision floating point numbers, commonly called doubles. Each of these numeric data types varies in the size and method of storing a numeric value. In numeric data storage, it is important to understand the difference between decimal and binary numbers. The majority of people are accustomed to decimal numbers, which are a series of digits between zero and nine with negative or positive values and the possible placement of a decimal point. On the other hand, computers store numbers as binary numbers. A binary number is simply a series of 0s and 1s. In the different numeric data types, these 0s and 1s represent different coded values, including the positive or negative nature of the number, the actual digits involved, and the placement of a decimal point. Understanding this type of number storage will help you make the correct decision in choosing numeric data types. In choosing the numeric data type, there are two things to consider. First, it is always best to use the smallest byte size data type needed. This will not only minimize the amount of storage required for your geodatabase but will also improve the performance. You should also consider the need for exact numbers versus approximate numbers. For example, if you need to express a fractional number, and seven significant digits will suffice, use a float. However, if the number must be more precise, choose a double. If the field values will not include fractional numbers, choose either a short or long integer. Integers The most basic numeric data type is the short integer. This type of numeric value is stored as a series of 16 0s or 1s, commonly referred to as 16 bits. Eight bits are referred to as a byte; thus, a short integer takes up two bytes of data. One bit states if the number is positive or negative and the remaining 15 translate to a numeric value with five significant digits. The actual numeric value for a short integer is approximately between -32,000 and +32,000. A long integer is a four-byte number. Again, one bit stores the positive or negative nature of the number while the remaining bits translate to a numeric value with 10 significant digits. The actual range for a long integer is approximately between -2 billion and +2 billion. Both short and long integers can store only real numbers. In other words, you cannot have fractions or numbers to the right of the decimal place. To store data with decimal values, you will need to use either a float or a double. Floats Floats and doubles are both binary number types that store the positive or negative nature of the number, a series of significant digits, and a coded value to define the placement of a decimal point. This is referred to as the exponent value. Floats and doubles are coded in a format similar to scientific notation. For example, if you wanted to represent the number -3,125 in scientific notation, you would say -3.125x103 or -3.125E3. The binary code would break this number apart and assign one bit to state that it is a negative number; another series of bits would define the significant digits 3125; another bit would indicate whether the exponent value is positive or negative; and the final series of bits would define the exponent value of 3. A float is a four-bit number and can store up to seven significant digits, producing an approximate range of values between -3.4E-38 to -1.2E38 for negative numbers and from 3.4E-38 to 1.2E38 for positive numbers. A double is an eight-byte number and can store up to 15 significant digits, producing an approximate range of values between -2.2E-308 and -1.8E308 for negative numbers and 2.2E-308 and 1.8E308 for positive numbers. It is important to note, however, that floats and doubles are approximate numbers. This is due to two factors. First, the number of significant digits is a limiting factor. For example, you could not express the number 1,234,567.8 as a float because this number contains more than the permissible seven digits. To store the number as a float, it will be rounded to 1,234,568, a number containing the permissible seven digits. This number could easily be expressed as a double, since it contains less than the permissible 15 significant digits. There are also some limitations to numbers a binary value can represent. One analogy that can be made would be in expressing fractions versus decimals. The fraction 1/3 represents a particular value. However, if you try to express this number as a decimal, the number will need to be rounded at some point. It could be expressed as 0.3333333, however, this is still an approximation of the actual value. Just as fractions cannot always be expressed as decimals, some numbers cannot be exactly expressed in binary code, and these numbers are replaced by approximate values. One example of such a number is 0.1. This number cannot be expressed as a binary number. However, the number 0.099999 can be expressed in binary. Thus, 0.1 would be replaced with an approximate value of 0.099999. Text fields A text field represents a series of alphanumeric symbols. This can include street names, attribute properties, or other textual descriptions. An alternative to using repeating textual attributes is to establish a coded value. A textual description would be coded with a numeric value. For example, you might code road types with numeric values assigning a 1 to paved improved roads, a 2 to gravel roads, and so on. This has the advantage of using less storage space in the geodatabase; however, the coded values must be understood by the data user. If you define your coded values in a coded value domain in the geodatabase and associate the domain with the integer field storing your codes, the geodatabase will display the textual description when the table is viewed in ArcMap or ArcCatalog. Learn more about subtypes and attribute domains Date fields The date data type can store dates, times, or dates and times. The default format in which the information is presented is mm/dd/yyyy hh:mm:ss and a specification of AM or PM. When you enter date fields in the table, they will be converted to this format. BLOB fields A BLOB, or binary large object, is simply some data stored in the geodatabase as a long sequence of binary numbers. Items such as images, multimedia, or bits of code can be stored in this type of field. Global identifier fields GlobalID and GUID data types store registry style strings that uniquely identify a feature or table row within a geodatabase and across geodatabases. Developers can use them in relationships or in any application requiring globally unique identifiers. In a relationship, if a GlobalID field is the origin key, a GUID field must be the destination key. You must add the GlobalID field programmatically; however, once you add it, ArcGIS maintains its values. You can create the GUID field in ArcCatalog, but you must maintain its values. Data types outside ArcGIS The data types explained in this section include all the data types available when creating a table using ArcMap or ArcCatalog and storing the table in a personal geodatabase. However, you might choose to store your tables in another DBMS, such as Oracle or dBASE. When this is done, the data types between ArcGIS and your DBMS might not match directly. The types are matched to the closest data type available in the DBMS. This process is referred to as data type mapping. In this process, it is possible that the values will be stored in the DBMS as a different type, applying different criteria to the data attribute. To learn more about the data type mapping process with your database management system, see the Configuration and Tuning Guide for <DBMS> PDF file. ArcGIS data types table http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.1/index.cfm?TopicName=ArcGIS%20data%20types%20table ARCGIS DATA TYPES ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/GIS/training/arcgis/tips-tricks/arcgis-data-types.pdf Geodatabase field data types http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.2/index.cfm?TopicName=Geodatabase%20field%20data%20types When you create feature classes and tables, you select a data type for each field. The available types include a variety of number types, text, date, binary large objects (BLOBs), or globally unique identifiers (GUIDs). Choosing the correct data type allows you to correctly store the data and will facilitate your analysis, data management, and business needs. The data types explained in this topic include all the data types available when creating a feature class or table with ArcMap or ArcCatalog. If you store your data in an ArcSDE geodatabase or a personal geodatabase, the data types between ArcGIS and your database management system (DBMS) might not match directly. The types are matched to the closest data type available in the DBMS. This process is referred to as data type mapping. In this process, it is possible that the values will be stored in the DBMS as a different type, applying different criteria to the data attribute. To learn more about the data type mapping process with your database management system, see Data types in the DBMS. Data types in the DBMS http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.2/index.cfm?TopicName=Data_types_in_the_DBMS Common Questions http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/extensions/datainteroperability/common-questions.html National GIS Data sets http://www.fws.gov/data/2mdata.html GIS Tutorial http://libinfo.uark.edu/GIS/tutorial.asp GIS Tutorial !!! http://www.geog.ucsb.edu/~jeff/gis/projection_lab1.html Getting Started with ArcGIS 9.x !!! http://maps.rdms.udel.edu/gis/howtopages/arcgis.php Workspace and dataset management with ArcCatalog http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.3/body.cfm?tocVisable=1&ID=38&TopicName=workspace%20and%20dataset%20management%20with%20ArcCatalog ArcCatalog http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.3/index.cfm?TopicName=An_overview_of_ArcCatalog Geographic information exists in many forms including relational databases, files, ArcGIS documents, and remote GIS Web services. ArcGIS applications work together to allow you to work with geographic information and other ancillary data that exist in various data sources including datasets, relational databases, and many file types and schemas. ArcCatalog helps GIS users by providing an integrated and unified view of all the data files, databases, and ArcGIS documents available to ArcGIS users. Unlike other data (a photo or Word document), geographic datasets often consist of a set of files, rather than a single file. When listed in Windows Explorer, the datasets appear as a list of system folders and files, whereas ArcCatalog displays and manages the datasets as single entities. ArcCatalog is the program you use to organize and manage these various datasets and documents in both file-based workspaces and in geodatabases. This program allows you to connect to your data source locations; browse through your workspaces; examine or explore the data; manage data, tables and metadata; and search for data and maps. The ArcCatalog application provides the necessary tools, which allow you to Browse and find geographic information. Record, view, and manage metadata. Define, export, and import geodatabase data models and datasets. Search for and discover GIS data on local networks and the Web. Create and manage the schemas of geodatabases. Administer ArcSDE geodatabases. Administer an ArcGIS server. You can employ ArcCatalog to find, organize, and use GIS data as well as to document data holdings using standards-based metadata. About metadata http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.3/index.cfm?TopicName=About_metadata Metadata - Information that describes the content, quality, condition, origin, and other characteristics of data or other pieces of information. Metadata for spatial data may describe and document its subject matter; how, when, where, and by whom the data was collected; availability and distribution information; its projection, scale, resolution, and accuracy; and its reliability with regard to some standard. Metadata consists of properties and documentation. Properties are derived from the data source (for example, the coordinate system and projection of the data), while documentation is entered by a person (for example, keywords used to describe the data). Metadata is critical for sharing tools, data, and maps and for searching to see if the resources you need already exist. Metadata describes geographic information system (GIS) resources in the same way a card in a library''s card catalog describes a book. Once you''ve found a resource with a search, its metadata will help you decide whether it''s suitable for your purposes. To make this decision, you may need to know how accurate or current the resource is and if there are any restrictions on how it can be used. Metadata can answer these questions. Any item in ArcCatalog, including folders and file types such as Word documents, can have metadata. Once created, metadata is copied, moved, and deleted along with the item when it is managed with ArcCatalog or ArcInfo Workstation. How metadata is organized In ArcCatalog, metadata is divided into properties and documentation. Properties, such as the extent of a shapefile''s features, are derived from the item by ArcCatalog and added to the metadata. Documentation is descriptive information supplied by a person using a metadata editor, for example, a description of and legal information about using the resource. With the default settings in ArcCatalog, all you have to do to create metadata is click the item in the Catalog tree and click the Metadata tabproperties will be added to the metadata automatically. Each GIS resource has its own discrete metadata document. Metadata documents describing related resources are not interconnected. Metadata for a feature class describes only that feature classit does not inherit any metadata from the feature dataset in which the feature class is stored. Similarly, metadata for a layer file or an ArcIMS Image Service should describe only the layer file or image service and the information it portrays, not the data sources it consumes. If a shapefile contains an entire suite of demographic data, its metadata should describe the values in each attribute column and its coordinate system since that is where those properties are defined and stored. Several layers may portray different aspects of the shapefile''s data: one layer might show population growth, while another shows the ratio between the retired and working population. The layer file''s metadata should describe what the layer shows; how the data was classified, normalized, and symbolized; and any joins or relates that are defined in the layernot all the details of the data. How metadata is stored Metadata created with ArcCatalog is stored as XML data, either in a file alongside the item or within its geodatabase. In a geodatabase, metadata is stored in the GDB_UserMetadata table as a BLOB of XML data. XML is a markup language similar to HTML. HTML defines both the data and how it''s presented. XML, on the other hand, lets you define data using tags that add meaning. Style sheets are created using XSL. For example, in a metadata XML document, a title may be stored as follows: <title>My Document</title>. The XSL style sheet selects the title and defines how to display it in HTML format as follows: <P><B><xsl:value-of select="title" /></B></P>. The metadata would then appear in the Metadata tab like this: ArcCatalog Standard toolbar http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.3/index.cfm?TopicName=ArcCatalog_Standard_toolbar Metadata Tools http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.3/index.cfm?TopicName=ArcCatalog_Metadata_toolbar ArcCatalog Geography toolbar http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.3/index.cfm?TopicName=ArcCatalog_Geography_toolbar The Geography toolbar is used for navigating across a map view of a selected dataset, to identify features, and to create a thumbnail picture for metadata in ArcCatalog The ArcGIS Server Administrator toolbar is used by ArcGIS Server administrators http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.3/index.cfm?TopicName=ArcCatalog_Server_Object_Administration_toolbar The ArcGIS Server Administrator toolbar is used by ArcGIS Server administrators to start, stop, and pause server objects. About compressing file geodatabase data http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisserver/9.3/java/index.htm#geodatabases/about_c1145393054.htm To reduce storage requirements, you can compress vector file geodatabase feature classes and tables (collectively referred to as datasets in the rest of this topic) to a read-only format. Once compressed, display and query performance is comparable to uncompressed data. You may find it provides slight performance improvements in some operations but slows slightly in others. The compression applied is lossless; that is, when you compress data, no information is lost, regardless of the coordinate system or types of attribute data the feature class or table contains. Where compressed datasets differ from uncompressed data is in editing: a compressed dataset is read-only and therefore cannot be edited or modified in any way except for changing its name and modifying attribute indexes and metadata. Once compressed, a dataset looks the same in ArcCatalog and ArcMap as when it was uncompressed. Also, apart from editing, you work with it the same way. The compressed data is a direct-access format, so you do not have to uncompress it each time you access it; ArcGIS and ArcReader read it directly. Compression is ideally suited to mature datasets that do not require further editing. However, if required, a compressed dataset can always be uncompressed to return it to its original, read/write format. Compressing data You can compress a geodatabase, feature dataset, stand-alone feature class, or table. You need only right-click the item in the ArcCatalog tree view and click Compress File Geodatabase DEM Differencing (ArcCatalog) - Creating New File!!! http://www.geo.mtu.edu/rs4hazards/ksdurst/website/Thesis/DEMDifferencing.html Creation of Analysis Masks: To create an analysis mask/clip I first created a new shapefile. This was done using ArcCatalog which is the file management system for ArcGIS. ArcCatalog is found under the ArcGIS tab in the start menu Editing Analysis Mask: Once the analysis masks are created, the shapefile is added into ArcMap. Next the shapefile has to be edited to create the polygon for the analysis mask. This is done using the editor toolbar. I am only going to go over basic steps for editing the analysis masks, if you need more help please refer to ArcGIS Help Using Model Maker - Analysis Mask Clipping: ArcToolbox has many tools which are used in this analysis. Instead of using each of these tools separately for each DEM, I created a model using all of the necessary tools at once, therefore reducing processing time. Models were used in this research to clip the 1954 and 2001 DEMs, and to subtract the DEMs. The first step is to create a new toolbox, which is shown below. Once a new toolbox is created it will automatically be added to the other toolboxes. Next the toolbox should be renamed; in the example below I name the toolbox Volume. Next right-click on the new toolbox and choose New>Model Preview and Metadata in ArcCatalog!!!! http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.2/index.cfm?TopicName=An_overview_of_ArcCatalog Using ArcCatalog to Preview Data and Examine Metadata http://ocw.tufts.edu/data/54/616576.pdf Using ArcCatalog Starting ArcCatalog Start ArcCatalog by going to Start-Programs ArcGIS 9.2-ArcCatalog What you see in the catalog tree The catalog tree on the left of the ArcCatalog window looks similar to a standard Windows file manager view, but the ArcCatalog tree only shows data that can be read by ArcGIS. Navigate to the location of the GIS data On the left side of the window, click to open the MassGIS/Physical_Resources folder Click the cursor on the landuse_poly_clip.shp file. This is a data set from the state of Massachusetts showing land use polygons (e.g., residential, commercial, agriculture). A file ending in .shp is called shape file. This is a very common GIS data format, created by ESRI, the makers of ArcGIS. A shape file actually consists of several files (you will see this if you look at the same folder in a Windows file manager program - for landuse_poly_clip, you would see landuse_poly_clip.shp, landuse_poly_clip.shx, landuse_poly_clip.dbf, landuse_poly_clip.sbn, landuse_poly_clip.prj, landuse_poly_clip.sbx, and landuse_poly_clip.shp.xml), all of which are necessary for this GIS data set to be readable in a GIS software program). That''s one reason why ArcCatalog is a better program than Windows File Manager for managing GIS data. If you copy landuse_poly_clip.shp in ArcCatalog to another folder, the ArcCatalog program knows to copy all the associated data files with it. 2 Reading metadata Metadata is data about data, that is, information about the data set. Click on the metadata tab for the landuse_poly_clip.shp file. When the metadata appears, you should see three more tabs - Description, Spatial, and Attributes. The first tab, Description, has general information - click on any of the bold text to see more information (e.g., scroll down and click on Status of the Data and Time Period for which Data is Relevant). GIS http://courses.washington.edu/ocean452/labs/arcgis/arccatalog/ac_intro.shtml ArcCatalog Tutorial !!! http://www.wvview.org/ArcCatalog_Tutorial.pdf Building a Catalog 1.2 - Viewing Images and Image Attributes 2.1 - Creating a GLOBE Image 2.2 - Creating a Shapefile 3.1 Using High Spatial Resolution Aerial Photographic Reference Data How metadata is organized http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.3/index.cfm?TopicName=About_metadata In ArcCatalog, metadata is divided into properties and documentation. Properties, such as the extent of a shapefile''s features, are derived from the item by ArcCatalog and added to the metadata. Documentation is descriptive information supplied by a person using a metadata editor, for example, a description of and legal information about using the resource. With the default settings in ArcCatalog, all you have to do to create metadata is click the item in the Catalog tree and click the Metadata tabproperties will be added to the metadata automatically. Each GIS resource has its own discrete metadata document. Metadata documents describing related resources are not interconnected. Metadata for a feature class describes only that feature classit does not inherit any metadata from the feature dataset in which the feature class is stored. Similarly, metadata for a layer file or an ArcIMS Image Service should describe only the layer file or image service and the information it portrays, not the data sources it consumes. If a shapefile contains an entire suite of demographic data, its metadata should describe the values in each attribute column and its coordinate system since that is where those properties are defined and stored. Several layers may portray different aspects of the shapefile''s data: one layer might show population growth, while another shows the ratio between the retired and working population. The layer file''s metadata should describe what the layer shows; how the data was classified, normalized, and symbolized; and any joins or relates that are defined in the layernot all the details of the data. How metadata is stored Metadata created with ArcCatalog is stored as XML data, either in a file alongside the item or within its geodatabase. In a geodatabase, metadata is stored in the GDB_UserMetadata table as a BLOB of XML data. XML is a markup language similar to HTML. HTML defines both the data and how it''s presented. XML, on the other hand, lets you define data using tags that add meaning. Style sheets are created using XSL. For example, in a metadata XML document, a title may be stored as follows: <title>My Document</title>. The XSL style sheet selects the title and defines how to display it in HTML format as follows: <P><B><xsl:value-of select="title" /></B></P>. An overview of ArcCatalog http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.3/body.cfm?tocVisable=1&ID=3026&TopicName=an%20overview%20of%20arccatalog An overview of tables and attribute information http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.3/index.cfm?TopicName=An_overview_of_tables_and_attribute_information Tabular information is the basis of geographic features, allowing you to visualize, query, and analyze your data. In the simplest terms, tables are made up of rows and columns, and all rows have the same columns. In ArcGIS, rows are known as records and columns are fields. Each field can store a specific type of data such as a number, date, or piece of text. Feature classes are really just tables with special fields that contain information about the geometry of the features. These include the Shape field for point, line, and polygon feature classes and the BLOB field for annotation and dimension feature classes. Some fields, such as the unique identifier number (ObjectID) and Shape, are automatically added, populated, and maintained by ArcGIS Exploring data in Geography view http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.3/index.cfm?TopicName=Exploring_data_in_Geography_view Previewing an item''s geographic data http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.3/index.cfm?TopicName=Previewing_an_item%27s_geographic_data Previewing vector data When a feature dataset, coverage, or any other type of dataset is selected in the Catalog tree, the feature class within that dataset with the highest level of geometry will be drawn. For example, if you select a polygon coverage, the first polygon or region feature class found in that coverage will draw. The same rule is used when drawing a geometric network. When ArcCatalog draws vector data, features are drawn using default symbology defined by ArcCatalog: polygons and multipatches are yellow, lines are blue, points are black diamonds, annotation is gray text, and dimensions are black. Thumbnails for vector data sources show the data in the same manner as the preview because symbology is not stored within the data source; layers store symbology information but not data. There are two exceptions to the rules about how vector data is drawn: computer-aided design (CAD) data and geodatabase feature classes that have subtypes. CAD data has two representations in the Catalog tree: a CAD feature dataset item and a CAD drawing item. The CAD feature dataset has point, line, polygon, annotation, and multipatch feature classes. With the line feature class, you''ll see all line features in all layers in the drawing. As with shapefiles, CAD feature classes are drawn using the Catalog''s default symbology. View an illustration of a CAD feature class preview. If you select the CAD drawing in the Catalog tree, each layer in the drawing is drawn with the symbology defined in the CAD drawing. Lot, building, tree, and road lines all have different symbology if they are in different layers in the drawing. You''ll also see point, polygon, annotation, and multipatch features. View an illustration of a CAD drawing preview. Feature classes in a geodatabase can have subtypes. Subtypes let you create several categories of features, each of which can have different rules and default values. For example, lots might be residential, commercial, or agricultural; utility poles might be wood, metal, or concrete. When previewing a feature class with subtypes in Geography view, each feature is symbolized according to its subtype using default symbology determined by ArcCatalog. Previewing raster data A raster dataset''s appearance in Geography view depends on how many raster bands it has. If there is only one raster band, the cell values are symbolized using a grayscale color ramp unless the raster dataset has a color map. Color maps define the color that will be used to represent a specific value. Raster datasets with more than one raster band are displayed by creating a composite image. In the Options dialog box, on the Raster tab, you can specify which raster bands supply the red, green, and blue display values. For example, if a remotely sensed image had seven bands, you might want to see bands five, four, and three. View an illustration of a multiband raster dataset preview. Raster catalogs can be objects in geodatabases or be defined using a table. Either way, ArcCatalog will draw raster catalogs in Geography view. All rasters in the raster catalog will draw in the order in which they were added. By default, if there are more than nine rasters in the raster catalog it will be drawn using a wireframe. You can change these default settings in the Options dialog box on the Raster tab. View an illustration of a raster catalog preview. Previewing TINs TIN datasets are drawn using ArcCatalog''s default symbology. A triangle''s color reflects its elevation. Any mass points and break lines that were used to create the TIN will be drawn as part of the TIN dataset. View an illustration of a TIN preview. Previewing maps, layers, and graphs Layers include a shortcut to data that''s stored elsewhere and information about how to symbolize and label the data. For example, the size of a city point might reflect its population, and the symbol used to represent a city might reflect whether it is a capital city. Layers may also include instructions for joining attributes stored in another table to the data, a choice of which attributes should be available in the map, and even alternate names for those attributes that are descriptive. When you preview a layer in ArcCatalog, you see it exactly as it will appear in a map. View an illustration of a layer preview. Group layers combine data from many data sources; when added to a map, there is one entry in the table of contents for the group. For example, a group layer named transportation might combine highway, road, and trail coverages. Group layers can combine data sources that have different formats such as TIN datasets and shapefiles. View an illustration of a group layer preview. Not only can it preview individual data sources, layers, and graphs, but ArcCatalog can also draw map documents, map templates, and published maps in Geography view. This lets you decide whether or not you''ve found the correct map before opening it. View an illustration of a map preview. In ArcMap, you can create graphs that describe the relationships between the attributes of different features. Once created, graphs can be saved to disk. This lets you add a graph with the same format and colors to several maps. For example, the same graph format used in different maps might compare how prevalent a group of industries is in different regions of the country. Before adding a graph to a map, you can look at its contents in Geography view. View an illustration of a graph preview. Previewing search results When you do a search in ArcCatalog, the results of your search consist of shortcuts to items in the Catalog or published documents that describe GIS resources. If you select a search in the Catalog tree, Geography view will show you an overview describing where on the earths surface the items that were found by the search are located. next |
