ArcGIS Desktop v.

9 - ArcInfo Functional Level (ArcCatalog, ArcMap, and ArcToolbox)

ArcGIS Applications Description:
ArcCatalog: ArcCatalog allows the user to easily access and manage geographic data that is stored in folders on local disks or relational databases that are available on the user's network. Data can be copied, moved, deleted, and quickly viewed before it is added to a map. In addition, metadata can be either read or created using this ArcGIS application. ArcMap: ArcMap allows the user to display and query maps, create quality hardcopy maps and perform many spatial analysis tasks. ArcMap provides an easy transition from viewing a map to editing its spatial features. ArcToolbox: ArcToolbox provides an environment for performing geoprocessing operations (i.e., operations that involve alteration or information extraction). Tools step the user through the many geoprocessing tasks. ArcToolbox is embedded in both ArcCatalog and ArcMap.

Data Retrieval:
Data collection and preparation is one of the most expensive and time-consuming aspects of creating a GIS facility. There are many governmental and commercial data sources that provide digital and tabular data sets as well as analogue data including maps, aerial photographs, and satellite imagery.

ArcGIS Supported Data Formats:

ArcGIS allows the user to work with an extensive array of data sources. These are listed below. Data Types Supported in ArcGIS (ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo) o ArcIMS feature services o ArcIMS map services o ArcInfo coverages o DGN (through v8) o o o o DWG (through v2004) DXF Geodatabases Geography Network connections

o o o

o o o o o o

OLE DB Tables PC ARC/INFO coverages Raster Formats ARC Digitized Raster Graphics (ADRG) (*.img or *.ovr and *.lgg) ArcSDE Rasters Band Interleaved by Line (ESRI BIL) (*.bil and *.hdr, *.clr, *.stx) Band Interleaved by Pixel (ESRI BIP) (*.bip and *.hdr, *.clr, *.stx) Band Sequential (ESRI BSQ) (*.bsq and *.hdr, *.clr, *.stx) Bitmap (BMP), Device Independent Bitmap (DIB) format, or Microsoft Windows Bitmap (*.bmp) Compressed ARC Digitized Raster Graphics (CADRG) Controlled Image Base (CIB) Digital Geographic Information Exchange Standard (DIGEST) Arc Standard Raster Product (ASRP), UTM/UPS Standard Raster Product (USRP) (*.img and *.gen, *.ger, *.sou, *.qal, *.thf) Digital Terrain Elevation Data (DTED) Level 0, 1 and 2 (*.dt0, *.dt1, *.dt2) ER Mapper (*.ers) ERDAS 7.5 GIS (*.gis and *.trl) ERDAS 7.5 LAN (*.lan and *.trl) ERDAS IMAGINE (*.img) ERDAS RAW (*.raw) ESRI GRID (*.clr) ESRI GRID Stack ESRI GRID Stack File (*.stk) ESRI SDE Raster Graphics Interchange Format (GIF) (*.gif) Intergraph Raster Files (*.cit and *.cot) JPEG File interchange Format, JIFF (*.jpg, *.jpeg, *jpe) JPEG 2000 (.jp2) Multiresolution Seamless Image Database (MrSID) (*.sid; generations 2 and 3; Note that the export command Raster to MrSID outputs in MrSID generation 2 format) National Image Transfer Format (NITF) (*.ntf) Portable Network Graphics (*.png) Tagged Image File Format (TIFF) (*.tif, *.tiff, *.tff) SDC (Smart Data Compression) SDE layers Shapefiles Text Files (.TXT) TIN VPF

Additional Data Types Supported via Importers in ArcInfo Direct conversion of the following formats into a native ArcInfo format: o ADS o o o o o o o o o o o o o DFAD DIME DLG ETAK GIRAS IGDS IGES MOSS S-57 SDTS (Point, Raster, and Vector) SLF TIGER (through v2000) Sun Raster

Additional Data Types Supported via Importers in ArcView and ArcEditor Direct conversion of the following formats into native ArcView and ArcEditor formats: o AGF o o MIF SDTS (Points and Raster)

About Data Sources:

A data source is any geographic data that may be used as input to or output from a geoprocessing tool. Supported data sources include: Geodatabase feature datasets Geodatabase feature classes Shapefile datasets Coverage datasets Coverage feature classes CAD feature datasets CAD feature classes SDC datasets SDC feature classes VPF datasets VPF feature classes Raster datasets Raster dataset bands Raster catalogs TIN datasets Layers

Layer files Tables Table views

When working with data it is helpful to understand how ArcGIS organizes the data sources with which the program's tools work. Data sources are organized into folder hierarchies on your computer. ArcGIS generally recognizes three different workspaces: Folders Personal geodatabases ArcSDE geodatabases

- with the option set more. When you open ArcCatalog you will likely see one or more of the following workspaces in the catalog tree with various data sources contained within them.

About Workspaces Folders Folders may contain other folders, geodatabases, data sources (e.g., rasters, shapefiles, tables, etc.), and toolboxes. Some data sources (coverages, shapefiles, TIN datasets, layers, and layer files) can only live inside folders. Other data sources (raster data, feature classes, and tables, and more) can be exported from a folder to a geodatabase - either personal or ArcSDE. Feature datasets within a folder (coverages, Smart Data Compression [SDC], Vector Product Format [VPF] and more) can be set as workspaces. Geodatabases There are two types of geodatabases in ArcGIS: Personal ArcSDE.

Geodatabases contain geographic information organized in the form of feature classes, feature datasets, tables, and toolboxes. Feature classes can be organized into feature datasets or may exist independently in geodatabases. Personal geodatabases Personal geodatabases can be created in which to store and manage your own spatial database. Microsoft Access is the database used. With personal geodtabases many users may read the database simultaneously but only one user may edit.

ArcSDE geodatabases With ArcSDE geodatabases many simultaineous editors are supported.

About Data Sources Geographic data used as input to or output from a geoprocessing tool is considered a data source. The list of supported data sources includes: Geodatabase feature datasets and feature classes Shapefile datasets Coverage datasets and feature classes Computer-aided design (CAD) datasets and feature classes SDC feature datasets and feature classes VPF datasets and feature classes Raster datasets and raster dataset bands TIN datasets, layers, layer files, tables, and table views

The feature class is one of the most commonly used data sources. A feature class is composed of a collection of geographic features with identical type of geometry (point, line, polygon) and the same set of attributes. Feature classes can be found within a geodatabase feature, shapefile, coverage, CAD, SDC, and VPF, as well as within a geodatabase. Feature data Geodatabase feature datasets Geodatabase feature datasets live inside personal or ArcSDE geodatabases. Feature datasets contain feature classes that are of the same extent and coordinate system. Geodatabase feature classes Geodatabase feature classes are stores of geographic features represented as points, lines, polygons, annotations, dimensions, attributes, and more. Feature classes that store topological features are contained within a feature dataset to ensure a common coordinate system. Other feature classes that are outside a feature dataset are called standalone feature classes.

Shapefile datasets A shapefile dataset (.shp) is stored in a folder, is composed of geographic features and their attributes, and contains a single feature class. Points, lines, or polygons (areas) represent geographic features in a shapefile.

Coverage datasets An integrated set of feature classes that represent geographic features is called a coverage and is stored in a folder on your file system as a workspace. Coverage feature class A set of either points, lines (arcs), polygons (areas), routes, tics, links, and annotation (text) that have topology (defined relationships between features) between features that are within or between feature classes.

CAD feature datasets

The ArcGIS feature representation of a CAD file. CAD feature datasets can contain one to five read-only feature classes: points, polylines, polygons, multipatches, and annotation. CAD feature classes Read-only members of a CAD feature dataset.

SDC datasets A Smart Data Compression dataset contains read-only feature classes, all of which have the same attribute informaiton but with different levels of generality in the shapes. SDC data is encrypted and compressed. ESRI uses the format to provide StreetMap data. Commercial data vendors distributing street data for geocoding and routing with various ESRI software products also use SDC. SDC feature classes Store a set of points, lines, and polygons that may or may not have topology determining relationships between features that are within or between feature classes. SDC feature classes support a licensing mechanism that is used to bind access to a specific ArcGIS application, such as ArcReader, or to a specific extension, such as ArcGIS Business Analyst.

VPF datasets These are a U.S. Department of Defense military standard that defines a standard format, structure, and organization for large geographic databases. VPF datasets contain feature classes that are read-only. VPF feature classes

VPF feature classes are a collection of features that have the same attributes. Each feature class contains point, line, polygon, or annotation features,a nd has an associated feature attribute table. This type of feature class is read-only.

Raster data Raster datasets A collection of one or more bands of a supported raster type such as TIFF, ESRI GRID or MrSID. Raster datasets can live in a folder in a file system. Raster dataset bands A bands is a matrix of square cells that describes the characteristics of an area and their relative positions in space. Each cell contains a value indicating what it represents.

Raster catalogs Raster catalogs are a collection of raster datasets organized in a table. Table records define the individual raster datasets included in the catalog. There are times when it is necessary or desirable to display adjacent or overlapping raster datasets without having to mosaic them into a large file. Raster catalogs are designed to avoid the need to mosaic.

TIN data TIN datasets

These are datasets often used to display and analyze surfaces. TIN datasets contain irregularly spaced points that have x, y coordinates describing their location and a zvalue that describes the surface at that particular point. TINs can be used to represent elevation, precipitation, temperature, and more.

Layer data Layer data is temporarily stored in memory; it is not stored on saved on disk. As such, it only remains available within the current session. Layers created in ArcCatalog cannot be used in ArcMap and layers created in ArcMap cannot be used in ArcCatalog. One of the principal purposes of layers is to allow for attribute or locational selections without affecting the original data source. Layer files Layer files (.lyr) are files that contain multiple references to geographic data stored on your disk. When layer files are opened multiple geograhic files are accessed. Most of the data sources supported in ArcCatalog can be referenced. Layer files are used to present a cartographic view of your geographic data.

Geostatistical layer files These are files created by the ArcGIS Geostatistical Analyst Extension.

Table data Tables Tables contain data elements arranged in rows and columns. Each row represents an individual entity, record, or feature, and each column represents a single field or attribute value. Tables can contain attributes that can be joined to datasets to provide readily accessible additional information about geographic data.

Viewing Data in ArcCatalog:

Once the user has successfully acquired GIS data in one of the aforementioned supported formats, it can be previewed using the ArcCatalog application. Note: If the data format is listed under the above heading "ArcGIS Supported Data Types," it can be simply viewed without the need to actually import using an import utility. If the data format is listed under any of the other headings (above), the data will first need to be imported. This can be done using ArcToolbox. The basics of using ArcToolbox will be described later. The ArcCatalog application window includes the catalog display that allows you to preview data, either spatially or tabularly, a catalog tree for browsing the data, and several toolbars.

The data can be previewed by navigating to its location in the catalog tree. If the folder or network drive that contains the user's data is not shown in the existing catalog tree, the Connect to Folder button can be used.

Once the GIS data is listed in the catalog tree, navigate to it using the plus sign ("+") next to the data folders and simply click on the data layer. Select the Preview tab at the top of the catalog display. The layer will now be visible in the catalog display section of ArcCatalog.

The geography toolbar can be used to zoom in and out, pan around the image, view the full extent of the data layer, identify attributes contained within the features of the data layer, and create a thumbnail view of the image.

Zoom In/Out: to use this tool, the user can select the Zoom button from the geography toolbar. Within the catalog display, a box can be drawn around

the desired area the user wishes to zoom in or out. Alternatively, the user may click within the catalog display on a specific location to zoom in/out. Pan: To use this tool, the user can select the Pan button from the geography toolbar. Within the catalog display, the user can click and drag the entire map layer to its desired location. Full Extent: To use this tool, the user can select the Full Extent button from the geography toolbar. This will automatically update the catalog display so that it displays the entire data layer within the frame. Identify: To use this tool, the user can select the Identify button from the geography toolbar. Within the catalog display, the user can click on a feature (point, line, or area). A flash screen will appear that shows the attributes (from the data layer's attribute table) associated with the selected feature. Create Thumbnail: To use this tool, the user can select the Create Thumbnail button from the geography toolbar. An image of the data shown on the Preview tab is saved as a thumbnail graphic. This graphic appears in the contents tab of the catalog display.

As well as previewing the geography of a data set, the user can also preview the attributes. At the bottom of the catalog display, there is a preview drop-down list. This allows the user to view either the geography or the associated attribute table for the data layer.

Once the attribute table is visible, the user can scroll through the table to see the attributes contained within the the data layer.

In addition to previewing the geography and the attribute table of a data layer, the user can view or create metadata. By clicking on the Metadata tab in the catalog display, technical information about the data set (such as its coordinate system, its spatial extent, description of its attributes, and descriptive information about when and how the data was created) can be obtained. The technical metadata is maintained automatically by ArcCatalog. However, the descriptive information must be updated by the users who manipulate and manage the data. Though ArcCatalog does not require the user to maintain this information, it is important for the GIS user to do this. For more information on how to manage metadata click the Contents tab in the ArcGIS Desktop Help and navigate to ArcCatalog/Working with Metadata.

Viewing Data in ArcMap:

The ArcMap application window consists of a map display for viewing spatial data, a table of contents for listing the layers shown in the display and a variety of toolbars for working with data.

When ArcMap opens, the ArcMap dialog appears on top of the application window. To open a data layer, the user can specify, whether or not they want to start using ArcMap with a new empty map, a template, or an existing map.

A New Empty Map:The user can select this option if they have data layers they would like to view and/or manipulate. After selecting this option, the user can add all of their GIS data layers and save it as a map file. Once this operation has been performed, the user can begin their next ArcMap session by opening the existing map file, instead of adding all of their data layers again. A Template: The user can select this option if they want to use layouts and base maps that have already been created/provided for various geographic regions. An Existing Map: The user can select this option if they have already created a map file that contains all of the data layers they wish to work with.

There are two ways to add data layers to the map display: 1. Go to File / Add Data... on the main menu toolbar OR click on the Add Data button on the standard toolbar.

Navigate to the data layer of interest. Select it, and click the Add button.

2. Simply click the name of the data layer from the ArcCatalog data tree, and drag it anywhere within the ArcMap display.

The user can add multiple data layers to the ArcMap Display, regardless of whether or not all data layers are spatially alike (have the same projection and datum). ArcGIS transforms layers of different projection and datum "on the fly" to the ArcMap Display.

These layers can be temporarily made visible or invisible by clicking on the check box located next to each layer name in the ArcMap table of contents. When multiple data layers are visible, the user can drag a layer to the top of the table of contents in order to place that data layer on top of all of the other layers. In the following example the Interstate Highway layer was moved to the top of the table of contents in order to make data visible within the map display window.

In the table of contents, the user can right click on the name of a data layer. A context menu opens, which allows the user to begin a variety of operations.

The ArcMap Tools toolbar can be used to do a variety of operations. The toolbar may initially be oriented vertically, but its orientation can be changed by dragging one of its corners. Additionally, it can be moved so that its location is next to the standard toolbar.

Zoom In/Out: To use this tool, the user can select the zoom button from the Tools toolbar. Within the map display, a box can be drawn around the desired area the user wishes to zoom in/out. Alternatively, the user may click within the map display on a specific location to zoom in/out. Fixed Zoom In/Out: To use this tool, the user can click on the fixed zoom in/out button on the Tools toolbar. The map display will zoom in/out on the center of the data layer.

Pan: To use this tool, the user can select the pan button from the Tools toolbar. Within the map display, the user can click and drag the entire map layer to its desired location. Full Extent: To use this tool, the user can select the full extent button from the Tools toolbar. This will automatically update the map display so that it displays the entire data layer within the frame. Go Back to Previous Extent: To use this tool, the user can select the go back to previous extent button on the Tools toolbar. The map display automatically goes back to the previous extent the user was viewing. Go to Next Extent: To use this tool, the user can select the go to next extent button on the Tools toolbar. The map display will go forward again through the sequence of extents the user has been viewing in the map display. Select Features: To use this tool, the user can select the select features button on the Tools toolbar. Then, the user can click on a feature within the data layer to select it. The tool can also be used to draw a box around a set of features to select them all. Additionally, the SHIFT key can be held down in order to select multiple features. o The user can use the SET SELECTABLE LAYERS command in the selection pull-down menu to control which layers this tool will select features from. This tool will only select features from layers that are checked in the Set Selectable layers dialog. By default, all the layers containing features are selectable. o The user can use the INTERACTIVE SELECTION METHOD pull-right in the selection pull-down menu to control whether selecting features with this tool will unselect any features that are already selected, or add the features selected to the set of currently selected features. o The user can use the OPTIONS command in the selection pull-down menu to control other aspects of how this tool works, such as whether or not features have to fall completely inside the box the user drags with this tool in order to be selected. Select Elements: To use this tool, the user can select the select elements button on the Tools toolbar. This button allows the user to select, resize, and move graphics such as lines, boxes, text, labels, north arrows, scale bars, and picture drawn on your map. The user can click on a graphic to select it; hold down SHIFT while clicking to select multiple graphics; or draw a box with the tool to select all the graphics inside the box. Identify: To use this tool, the user can select the identify button from the Tools toolbar. Within the map display, the user can click on a feature (point, line, or area). A flash screen will appear that shows the attributes associated with that feature that is contained in the data layer's attribute table. Find: To use this tool, the user can select the find button from the Tools toolbar. This finds particular geographic features in the map. Features can be found based on the value of one of their attributes. Measure: To use this tool, the user can select the measure button from the Tools toolbar. This tool allows the user to measure distances on the data layer. As a line is drawn with this tool, the length of the line is shown in the status bar. A line can be drawn with multiple segments. The user can click once to start a new segment, and double click or press ESC to finish. The distance is shown in the distance units specified in the data frame properties dialog.

Hyperlink: To use this tool, the user can select the hyperlink button from the Tools toolbar. This tool allows the user to click on a feature to trigger a hyperlink. This tool will be inactive if no hyperlinks have been defined for any of the feature layers in the map display. If a user wants to use hyperlinks they have to be defined before this tool can be used. More about hyperlinks can be found in the ArcMap help section.

A user can zoom into a region of interest within their data layer, and save that zoomed location. This allows the user to easily navigate back to that region of interest. This can be done by going to the View Menu, pointing to Bookmarks, and clicking Create.

A dialog box appears that allows the user to name the spatial bookmark.

After a spatial bookmark has been saved, the user can click the View menu, point to bookmarks, and the name will appear in the bookmark list. If the user selects the bookmarks, the map display will automatically zoom to that location.

In a GIS, a feature on a map may be associated with a great deal of information. This information is stored in an attribute table. A layer's attribute table contains a

row (or record) for every feature in the layer and a column (or field) for every attribute or category of information. To open the attribute table for a data layer in ArcMap, right click on the layer in the table of contents. Select open attribute table.

Below is an example of an attribute table for United States GIS data layer. The FID field contains a unique identification number for every record (or every feature within the map). The intersection of a record and a field is a cell. A cell contains an attribute value. For example, the attribute value of the STATE_NAME field for the first record is "Hawaii."

Records, as well as fields, can be highlighted. When a record is highlighted in a table, its corresponding feature is highlighted on a map. A highlighted record or feature is said to be selected. The user can highlight a record in a table by clicking on the left edge of the record of interest in the table. Once the record is selected, the corresponding feature will be selected in the map display.

The user can clear selections by clicking on the options menu at the bottom of the attribute table and selecting the clear selection option. The record becomes unselected in the table and in the map display.

Various statistics can also be computed for a particular attribute field. To perform this operation the user should right click on the field of interest, and select statistics.

A dialog box appears with the statistics for that selected field. The statistics box displays the number of records in the table and the minimum, maximum, sum, mean, and standard deviation values. The frequency distribution chart represents the distribution of values graphically. The following shows area statistics using all records in the attribute table.

Using ArcToolbox:
ArcToolbox is the application that provides an environment for performing geographic information system (GIS) analysis. ArcToolbox allows the user to perform a variety of geoprocessing tasks including data conversion. Geoprocessing tools are organized into toolboxes and toolsets within ArcToolbox. The toolbox is organized into toolsets that provide solutions for different types of tasks. The eleven toolsets may be seen listed in the graphic immediately below. Four of the more frequently used are briefly described.

Analysis Tools: This toolset is designed to allow users to perform analysis of vector data including feature and attribute extractions, geographic overlays, create buffers, calculate statistics on attribute data, and perform proximity analysis. If the user wants to solve a spatial or statistical problem in the vector environment, this toolset should be used. Conversion Tools: This toolset contains the tools needed to convert data between various formats. The tools are organized into smaller toolsets that pertain to the type of conversion being performed. Most commonly used data formats are supported. The user can convert raster to other formats, prepare and convert features to a native computer-aided design (CAD) format,

convert: feature classes to coverage format; tables to dBase format; features and CAD files to geodatabase feature classes; data to rasters; and convert features to shapefiles. This toolset should be used whenever a user needs to change from one type of dataset to another. Data Management Tools: This toolset allows the user to manage and maintain feature classes, datasets, layers, and raster data structures. Database join operations, topology building, projections and transformations operations, workspace management, and much more. If the user needs to modify the characteristics of a particular dataset they can do so using this toolset. Spatial Analyst Tools: This toolset is designed to allow users to perform cell-based (raster) analysis including a variety of neighborhood, overlay, reclass, map algebra, extractions, density, distance, cost surface functions, and more. If the user wants to solve a spatial or statistical problem in the raster environment, this toolset should be used.

The user can access ArcToolbox through either ArcCatalog or ArcMap via the ArcToolbox (red toolbox) icon on the standard toolbar. In the graphic below two shapefiles (intrstat.shp and states.shp) have been added to ArcMap. From ArcMap ArcToolbox was called up, the Conversion Tools toolbox opened, and the Export to CAD tool selected to convert the intrstat.shp file's features to the DWG_R2004 format. In both ArcMap and ArcCatalog the user may either navigate to the data to be used within a particular tool, or the data layer can be drag and dropped from the table of contents or catalog tree respectively, into the dialog box of the toolbox of interest. To perform this operation the ArcToolbox icon should can be selected. In the Toolbox, a tool of interest can be double-clicked to start. The user can then click and drag on the dataset (in the table of contents or catalog tree) and drop in the "add data" box of the tool.

Manipulating Display Parameters in ArcMap

Symbolizing Features and Rasters:
Data sets that are added to ArcMap a default symbology. The user can change the default symbology for their features (point, line, polygons) and rasters. Changing Simple Feature Symbology

To change the color of a symbol for a specific data layer, the user can right-click on the symbol in ArcMap's table of contents. A color palette will appear, and the user can select the color of choice.

Polygon features are drawn with two symbols, a fill and an outline. To change the color or width of the outline, the user can click on the symbol for the desired data layer in the table of contents. The Symbol Selector dialog box opens. The left side of the dialog box contains predefined symbols. The options frame on the right allows the user to select a color and set an outline width.

In addition to changing the colors of symbols, the user can also have features within the map display to be labeled. The user can do this by right-clicking on the LAYER of interest in the table of contents (NOTE: click on the layer name and NOT the symbol) and selecting the Label Features option.

The user may also change the background of the map display. This can be done by right-clicking on the data frame and clicking Properties. The Data Frame Properties dialog box opens. The user should click on the Frame Tab, click on the Background drop down arrow, select the desired color, and click OK. The background color will then be applied to the map display.

Changing a Feature's Symbology using Categorical Attributes: The user can change a feature's symbology to make it more informative by assigning a different symbol to each unique value, or to distinct ranges of values, in the layer's attribute table. For example, a land use land cover map may contain a particular symbol (or color) for each land use type present (all forest polygons may be represented with the color green, all crops may be represented by yellow, and all urban areas may be white, etc...). This example describes the representation of categorical attributes, or attributes that contain names or descriptions. On the other hand, attributes that contain measurements or counts of features are called quantitative attributes. For example, one may chose to symbolize a map of countries in Africa by their square kilometers in measurement; likewise, the user may chose to symbolize a map of the United States by their population.

If the user wishes to assign a unique color to a particular class or name within the attribute table, the user can right-click on the desired layer and click Properties. The Layer Properties dialog will open, and the user should choose the symbology tab.

By default, the features are symbolized with a single symbol (meaning all of the states in a U.S. map will have the same color). If the user wishes to change the representation to a categorical one (where each state has a unique symbol), the user should click Categories in the Show box of the Layer Properties Dialog. A Value Field from the attribute table should be selected. In this case STATE_NAME was selected in order to show a different symbol for each state. The color scheme of choice may also be selected. Once these parameters are set, the user should press the Add All Values button to get a listing of all the categories and their associated unique symbol. Once the user is satisfied with the symbology, the user can press OK. The new color scheme will be applied to the map display.

Once a color scheme has been applied, the user can change the individual color of a particular feature (in this case: a state). This is done by right-clicking on the symbol next to the name of the feature (in the table of contents), and selecting the desired color.

Changing Raster Symbology:

When a raster is symbolized, colors are assigned to cell values or ranges of cell values. Raster values are usually continuous, and are symbolized by color ramps. By default, rasters are displayed with a gray scale. If the user, however, can change the color range for their raster. This can be done by double-clicking on the layer name inside ArcMap's table of contents. The symbology tab should be selected. In the color ramp, the user can select a new range of colors to be applied to the map display.

Classifying Features and Rasters:

When a user wants to see where attribute values lie in relation to one another on a continuous scale, they can symbolize quantitative attributes (attributes that are counted, measured, or estimated amounts of something). These values often need to be divided into groups to make symbology more meaningful. ArcGIS has four ways to apply scaled symbology: 1. Graduated Color: These symbols are more commonly used. It displays features as shades in a range of colors that change gradually (also called a color ramp). This symbology is best used with polygon layers. 2. Graduated Symbol: These symbols are used to represent features using different marker sizes. Normally used with point layers. 3. Proportional Symbol: These symbols vary in size proportionally to the value symbolized. 4. Dot Density: These symbols should only be used with polygon layers. They represent quantities by a random pattern of dots. The greater the value, the more dots.

To create a graduated color, the user must double click on the data layer name in the table of contents. The Layer Properties dialog will open. The symbology tab should be activated. In the show box, the user should click Quantities and select the Graduated Colors option. Within the value field, the drop down arrow should be clicked, and the attribute field of interest should be selected. In this case the 1999 Population field was selected for the U.S. data layer.

By default the values are grouped into 5 classes and the classification method is natural breaks. The following describes all classification methods that can be selected. 1. Natural Breaks: This classification creates classes according to clusters and gaps in the data. 2. Equal Interval: This classification creates classes of equal value ranges. 3. Defined Interval: This classification is like equal interval, but the interval chosen determines the number of classes produced instead of the the number of classes producing the interval. 4. Quantile: This classification creates classes containing an equal number of features. 5. Standard Deviation: This classification creates classes according to a specified number of standard deviation from the mean value.

6. Manual Method: This classification allows the user to set their own preferred class breaks. Once a classification method is chosen, a designed color ramp should be chosen, and the OK button should be clicked. The specified symbology will then be applied to the map display.

To create a graduated symbol, the user must double click on the data layer of interest in the table of contents. The Layer Properties dialog box will open, and the symbology tab should be selected. In the show box, the user should click Quantities, and then select Graduated Symbols. Within the value field, the drop down arrow should be clicked, and the attribute field of interest should be selected. The normalization method and the number of classes can then be selected.

In the symbol column, symbols will appear. The user can change them to any desired symbology by clicking on the point symbol in the template frame. In the symbol selector, the user can select the size, shape, and color of the symbol and select OK.

Once all parameters are set, the user can select OK. The map display will then be updated.

To create a proportional symbol, the user must double click on the data layer of interest in the table of contents. The Layer Properties dialog box will open, and the symbology tab should be selected. In the show box, the user should click Quantities, and then select Proportional Symbols.

Once all parameters have been set, the user can click OK. The changes will be updated to the map display.

To create a dot density, the user must double click on the data layer of interest in the table of contents. The Layer Properties dialog box will open, and the symbology tab should be selected. In the show box, the user should click Quantities, and then select Dot Density.

On the left side of the Field Selection frame, numeric fields in the attribute table are listed in a box. The user must select which field they wish to symbolize. In this case 2001 Population was chosen. A field is chosen by simply clicking on the field in the Field Selection box. This highlights the name of the attribute field to be symbolized. Next, the right arrow symbol (>) should be clicked. This adds the attribute field to the box on the right side of the frame and a dot symbol is assigned to it. The color of the symbol can be changed by right-clicking on the dot symbol in the symbol column. In the Densities frame of the Symbology tab, the dot value may be changed. This value means that one dot will represent that specified number of items. For example, using 2001 population and a dot value of 20,000, one dot on the map will represent 20,000 people. Please note that the location of the dot does NOT mean that there are 20,000 people at the location of the dot. The dots are randomly placed within the areal unit (polygon) - in this case each state. Once all the parameters have been specified, the user may select OK. The changes will be updated to the map display.

Classifying Features and Rasters:

In ArcMap, feature labels represent values in an attribute table. There are a variety of label styles to choose from for countries, cities, streets, and other common features. The user can choose from these available styles or create their own fonts, sizes, and colors. There are two main types of labeling in ArcGIS: dynamic and interactive. The user can choose to use dynamic labels. This allows the user to label all features in a layer at once and have ArcMap adjust the label placement as the user works with the map. With dynamic labels, ArcMap will prevent the labels from overlapping regardless of the zoom level. The user can also choose to use interactive labels. This allows the user to label features one at a time in positions chosen by the user. Once these labels are placed, they can be selected, moved, and individually modified. With interactive labels, ArcMap will not prevent overlaps or manage the labels in any way.

To create and change the properties of a dynamic label, the user must first rightclick on the layer name in the table of contents. Label Features should be selected. In order to change the font and the color of the labels, the user must right-click on the layer name in the table of contents and click Properties. On the Layer Properties dialog, the Labels tab should be selected.

The Label Field drop-down list in the middle of the dialog shows which field in the attribute table is being used for the labels. Below this section, the label's symbology can be previewed. In order to change the font and color of the label, the Symbol button should be clicked. The Symbol Selector dialog box will open.

This dialog box allows the user to change the color, size, font, and properties of the label symbol. When the user is finished setting the new parameters, OK can be clicked. The labels will be updated in the map display.

To create an interactive label, the user must first click the drop-down arrow by the New Text tool on the Draw Toolbar. Within the selection of tools, the user must select the Label tool.

Once the Label tool has been selected, the Labeling Options dialog box opens.

This dialog box allows the user to choose the labeling position or allow ArcMap to choose the position. If the user decides to initially allow ArcMap to find the best placement for the label, the position may always be adjusted later. Once the labeling options have been selected, the user may close the dialog box. If the user decided to allow ArcMap find the best placement, he/she needs to click the map feature they want labeled. The label for that feature will appear, and the position of that label will automatically be determined. If the user chose to select the desired labeling position, he/she needs to point and click the mouse in the area where the label should be placed. The label for that feature will be added in the position selected. A label may be moved or deleted by selecting it with the Select Elements Tool on the Tools Toolbar. After the label is selected, it may be moved to another desired location or simply deleted by pushing the Delete key on the keyboard.

End of Section 2. Go to: Section 1: Getting Started with ArcGIS: ArcCatalog, ArcMap, and ArcToolbox Section 2: Manipulating Display in ArcMap Section 3: Querying Data in ArcMap Section 4: Preparing Data for Analysis in ArcMap Section 5: Analyzing Data in ArcMap Section 6: Making and Printing Maps in ArcMap ArcGIS Introductory Tutorial front page.
Last modified: Friday, February 25, 2005

Querying Data in ArcMap

Identifying, Selecting, and Finding Features:
There are many ways to retrieve information about features in ArcMap. The user can identify features by clicking on them in order to display their attributes. The user can select features by clicking on the features to highlight them and look at their records in the layer attribute table. The user can find features by using known information about the feature in order to search the map for that particular feature. Identifying Features:

Perhaps the fastest way to get information about a single feature is to identify it, using the Identify Tool. To use the Identify tool, the user must select it from the Tools Toolbar. Within the map, the user must click on the feature of interest in order to view the attribute information for that particular feature.

Selecting Features:

If the user wants to compare information about several features, the best way is to select the features on the map and look at their records in the layer attribute table. The easiest way to select multiple features is by using the Select Features Tool on the Tools Toolbar. To use the Select Features Tool, the user must select it from the Tools Toolbar. On the map, all features of interest may be selected by holding down the shift key and clicking on the various features of interest. The selected features will be outlined in blue. If a feature is selected by mistake it can be de-selected by holding down the shift key and clicking the feature again. All features that have been selected, can be cleared by clicking the Selection menu from the Standard Toolbar and selecting the Clear Selected Features option. To view the selected features' attribute table, the user must right-click on the data layer where features have been selected. The Open Attribute Table option should then be clicked.

After the Open Attribute Table option has been selected, the attribute table will appear with all of the selected features highlighted in blue.

The user can group all of the selected attributes, by clicking on the Selected button at the bottom of the attribute table. Only those features that were highlighted will appear.

Now the user can easily compare various attribute values, such as Area for each state. If the user wishes to see the states listed according to largest area, the user can right-click on the appropriate field name (in this case AREA), and the Sort Descending option may be selected from the context menu.

Finding Features:

When the user has a piece of information about a feature, but is not sure where that feature is on the map, the user can search the map for that feature using the known piece of information. The user can find a feature, by selecting the Find tool on the Tools toolbar. When the Find dialog Box appears, the Features tab should be selected. The known attribute information should be typed in the Find box. In the In Layers drop down box, the layer that the user wishes to find features in should be selected. In the Search options, the user should choose to either search all fields in the attribute table or a specific field. Once all parameters are set, the Find button should be clicked. In the following example, the State of Arkansas was found in the U.S. State Data Layer by typing in the known attribute information (i.e. state name = Arkansas).

Once the Find button is clicked and the feature is found, the user can locate it on the map and get its attributes. This can be done when the user right clicks on the feature row found in the Find dialog box and clicks Identify Feature(s). The feature will briefly flash within the map display and the Identify Results dialog box will open.

Selecting Features by Attributes:

In addition to identifying, selecting, and finding features, the user can select features by attributes by writing a query that automatically selects features that meet a specified criteria. The simplest type of query consists of an attribute (such as STATE_NAME), a value (such as 'Arkansas'), and a relationship between the two (such as 'equal to'). A more complex query combines these simple queries using operators like 'and' / 'or'. These queries are constructed using Structured Query Language (SQL). ArcMap creates the query automatically in this format. To create an attribute query, the user must click the Selection menu on the Standard Toolbar. The Select by Attributes option should be clicked. In the Select by Attributes dialog box, the Layer drop down arrow should be clicked and the data layer of interest should be selected.

The fields in the attribute table appear in the Fields box on the left of the dialog box. When a particular field is highlighted, sample values display in the Unique values list on the right. If the user wishes to see all of the attribute values, the Complete List button may be selected. The buttons in the middle are used to choose operators and to connect queries. To perform a query, the user must double-click an attribute field of interest, in order for it to display in the bottom portion of the Select by Attributes dialog box. Then the user must click on the appropriate operator button. A unique value of interest may be double clicked on within the Unique Values box, or a value may be directly typed into the query string. In the following example, all States were initially selected that had <= 300,000 households.

Then, all states were selected that had <= 300,000 Households AND <=300,000 Females.

Selecting Features by Location:

Instead of selecting features by their attribute values, the user may also select them by their location (their spatial relationship to other features, whether in another layer or in the same layer). To select features by location, the user specifies a selection method, a selection layer, a spatial relationship, a reference layer, and sometimes a distance buffer. To begin selecting features by location, the user must click the Selection menu and click the Select by Location option. The Select by Location dialog box opens.

By default, the selection method is select features from. This option should be used when the user wants to create a new selected set. The other options allow the user to add to an existing selected set of features, remove from an existing selected set of features, or select from an existing selected set of features.

Within the scrolling list of selection layers, the user may select the layer from which they wish to select features. There is a list of spatial relationships that can be chosen using the drop down arrow. The following describes the various options that are available. Are Crossed by the Outline of: This method selects the features that are overlapped by the features of another layer. Intersect: This method selects any features that are overlapped by the features of another layer as well as those features that border the reference features. Are Within a Distance of: This method selects features near or adjacent to features in the same layer or in a different layer. The user must specify the numerical distance of interest. Have Their Center in: This method selects the polygon features in one layer that have their centroid in the polygon features of another layer. Are Completely Within: This method selects features in one layer that fall completely inside the polygons of another. Completely Contain: This method selects polygons in one layer that completely contain the features in another layer. Share a Line Segment with: This method selects line and polygon features that share line segments with other features. Touch the Boundary of: This method selects lines and polygons that share line segments, vertices, or end-points (nodes) with the lines in the layer. The lines or polygons will not be selected if they cross the lines in the layer. Are Identical to: This method selects any feature having the same geometry as a feature of another layer; however, the feature types (point, line, or polygon) must be the same. Contain: This method selects features in one layer that contain the features of another. The boundaries of the features ARE allowed to touch. Are Contained by: This method selects features in one layer that are contained by the features in another.

Next, the reference layer should be chosen using the drop-down arrow. If the user wishes to apply a distance buffer, then the box next to the Apply a buffer to the features in ... option should be checked (or clicked). A distance and a unit of measure should be chosen. Once all parameters are set, the Apply button should be clicked. The results will be selected in the map display. In the following example, all major roads were selected that exist in Arkansas using a layer that contained only the Arkansas state polygon and a U.S. road layer that contained all major U.S. roads.

Selecting Features by Location:

Once a feature has been selected in can be converted into its own ArcMap data layer. This can be done by right clicking on the name of the data layer in the table of contents that contains the selected feature of interest and clicking on the Create Layer from Selected Features option in the Selection menu.

The new layer will appear in the table of contents. This layer is given a default name that can be changed by right-clicking on the name, selecting properties, selecting the General tab, and typing in a new name in the Layer Name box.

Preparing Data for Analysis

When a user acquires a particular data set of interest, it is rarely in the exact form that is needed during analysis. This tutorial describes how to change the data to make it more appropriate to the scope of the project. Data can be prepared using ArcToolbox accessible through either ArcCatalog or ArcMap for the purposes of this tutorial we have chosen to use ArcMap to interface with ArcToolbox.

Selecting Features:
It is often the case that we are only interested in a particular feature or features of an acquired data set and that the others are unnecessary to our purposes. We can extract only those features we need by selecting them and saving them in a new output feature class. To select a feature of interest, the user must click the ArcToolbox Analysis Tools menu followed by Extract and then Select.

The Select tool dialog box opens.

In the Select tool dialog box, you may select the Input Features from the dropdown menu or browse to the feature. After specifying a name and location for the Output Feature Class move next to the Expression option. If you are not familiar or don't know the fields with which to structure an expression use the Query Builder accessible through the SQL button. From the list of fields, operators, and unique values put together an SQL query statement to select which features you want. Once the statement has been formulated, the OK button on the Query Builder should be clicked. Then the OK button on the Select dialog box. The output is automatically added to the map display. If the user wishes to learn more about the dissolve operation, the Help button should be selected.

Remove the layer that you are no longer in need of by performing a right mouse click and selecting Remove from the pop-up menu.

Clipping Features:
Sometimes the acquired data sets cover a greater area than the user is interested in. The data set can be clipped to the area of interest by using features in one layer to clip the features in another layer. To clip one layer based on another, the user must us Clip found in the Extract portion of Analysis Tools in ArcToolbox.

Here the msa features outside the arkansas feature are not needed are therefore considered the Input Features. The arkansas features are the Clip Features or the polygon clip layer. A output shapefile or feature class should be selected, and the Finish button should be clicked. The clipped layer will appear in the ArcMap display.

To find out more about the Clip operation, the Help button can be clicked. In the following example a state of Arkansas polygon was used to clip a Metropolitan Statistical Area layer. The resulting layer is a clipped msa layer that only shows the Metropolitan Statistical Areas in Arkansas.

Dissolving Features:
Dissolve is another tool used to trim away unnecessary detail that is not relevant to the scope of the project. Data can be simplified by dissolving several features in a layer into one. To dissolve multiple features into one, the user must click the ArcToolbox Data Management Tools menu followed by Generalization and then Dissolve.

The Dissolve tool dialog box opens.

In the Dissolve dialog box, you may select the Input Features from the drop-down menu or browse to the feature. After specifying a name and location for the Output Feature Class move next to the Dissolve_Field(s) option. From the list of attributes select one or more on which to dissolve. Once selected, the OK button should be selected. The output is automatically added to the map display. If the user wishes to learn more about the dissolve operation, the Help button should be selected.

In the following example, boundaries separating adjoining Arkansas' MSAs (Metropolitan Statistical Area) were dissolved so that there would be no distinction between individual MSAs.

Exporting Data:
Using ArcMap, a user is capable of exporting a new data set from an existing one that contains selected features. As mentioned in the section three tutorial, once features have been selected the user can choose to create an ArcMap layer of only the selected features within a dataset. This is valuable for quick manipulation of datasets. However, if the user wishes to use this new layer within other ArcGIS applications, the selected features should actually be EXPORTED as a real dataset, instead of a layer that will only exist in ArcMap. Selected features within a dataset can be exported by right-clicking on the data layer in the table of contents that contain the selected features the user wishes to export. Next, the user must point to the Data menu, and click Export Data. The Export Data Dialog Box appears.

The Export drop-down list is set to the Selected Features option. This is the correct option if the user wishes to export the selected features within an existing data set. The other options allow the user to export all features or all features within the view extent. Once the correct export option is chosen, the user must specify whether the new data set should have the same Coordinate System as the layer's source data, or the same Coordinate Systems as the data frame. Next, an output file path and name should be chosen, and the OK button should be clicked. Once the user clicks the OK button, ArcMap exports the features to a new feature class and prompts the user to add the exported data to the ArcMap display.

Projecting Data for Display in ArcMap:

A data layer's coordinate system information can be found by viewing its spatial metadata. When data sets have the same coordinate system they are correctly positioned with respect to each other in the data frame. If a data set is added to an ArcMap display that has a different coordinate system from those layers that have already been added to the data frame, ArcMap automatically changes its display so that it matches the existing layers. This change is only temporary and only exists

within a particular data frame. The underlying coordinate system information DOES NOT change.

Projecting and Defining the Coordinate System or Spatial Reference:

Though one of the principal features of ArcGIS Desktop is the ability to change a dataset, feature class, or raster file's projection "on the fly" for display and analysis purposes, if the user acquires data sets with different coordinate systems or projections, the user may wish to change them so that they all match. A user can project data to a new data set using ArcToolbox Project for features and Project Raster for raster files, or the user can define or change the projection and coordinate system of a data set using Define Projection. To project or define a projection or project data, the user must click the plus sign next to Data Management Tools, followed by a click on the plus sign next to Projections and Transformations.

Project and Project Raster reproject input data and saves it as a new data set. Project allows the user to define or project feature classes and geodatabases. Project Raster allows the user to define or project coverages, grids, or TINs. The Define Projection tool applys coordinate system information to data sets and feature classes. For example, if the user wishes to project a feature class the Project tool (shapefiles, geodatabases) should be opened by double-clicking on the option in ArcToolbox. Once the Project dialog box opens, the user must select the data set to define. This can be done by clicking the folder icon and navigating to the shapefile or geodatabase of interest.

Once the data set name has been added to the dialog, the Output Coordinate System must be selected. To select a coordinate system click on the Spatial Reference Properties button highlighted by the red circle in the graphic above. The Spatial Reference Properties dialog box appears.

Within this dialog box, the user can select a predefined coordinate system, import a coordinate system from another data set, or create a new coordinate system. Once a coordinate system has been selected, the Spatial Reference Properties dialog box will be updated with the details of the selected coordinate system.

When the user clicks OK, the Output Coordinate System name appears in the Project dialog box.

Clicking OK produces a new data set with a different coordinate system. The new data set is automatically added to the list of layers. Though the new data set is a different coordinate system than the other layers it has been reprojected on the fly to match the other layers on screen.

Analyzing Spatial Data

Buffering Features:
A buffer operation is one of the most common spatial analysis tools. A buffer is a map feature that represents a uniform distance around a feature. When creating a buffer, the user selects the feature to buffer from, as well as the distance to be buffered. The buffer operation creates a new polygon data set, where a specified distance is drawn around specific features within a layer. The distances can either be constant or can vary depending upon attribute values. When features are close together, their buffers may overlap. The user can choose to preserve the overlaps or remove them. To use the ArcToolbox Buffer tool, the user must go to Analysis Tools and select Proximity. Buffer then appears in the list of tools. A double click on Buffer results in

the appearance of the Buffer dialog box. The drop down arrow should be clicked, or the browse button used, to select the layer the user wishes to buffer. Then, the Linear unit radio button should be clicked and units and distance specified. If the user wishes to dissolve the barriers between any overlapping buffers he or she may do so by selecting LIST from the drop-down menu within Dissolve Type. Once the list of attribute fields appears with a white background the box next to Shape should be checked.

If the user wants to create a buffer around an input feature he or she may specify a value as illustrated above or a numeric field in the attribute table can be specified using the Field radio button. The OK button should be clicked once all parameters have been set. The buffer will be created and added to the ArcMap display if ArcToolbox was opened through ArcMap. Once a buffer has been created the user may want to add the buffer distance to the new layer's attribute table. This can be done by right-clicking on the layer name in the table of contents and selecting Open Attribute Table. Once the attribute table opens, the Options button should be clicked. The user should then select the Add Field option.

When the Add Field Dialog Box appears, the user must type in the name of the new field, select the type of attribute that will be added to the field, and click OK. In the above, a new field was created called "BufferDist" that will contain numeric data, in this case "25" for 25 miles buffer distance. Once a new field has been created the user can place values in the cells under "BufferDist" by going to Tools on the main menu and selecting Editor Toolbar followed by Editor on the toolbar and then Start Editing. With this preparation the contents of cells in an attribute table may be edited simply by placing the cursor in the cell(s) and typing - in this case the cell underneath the newly created "BufferDist" field had "25" placed in it for 25 miles.

Closing the editing session is done by going back to Editor, selecting Save Edits, then Stop Editing. In the following illustrations a 25-mile buffer around cities in Arkansas is represented along with a 25-mile buffer around the major rivers. Note: the actual buffers extended beyond the boundary of Arkansas. The buffers shown below were clipped with the Arkansas layer in order to display only the areas within Arkansas that were within 25 miles of a city and all areas within 25 miles of a major river.

Overlaying Data:

An overlay operation is also one of the most common spatial analysis tools. Overlays allow the user to identify areas where features in two layers overlap. A new data set is often created from these overlaps. In a Union Overlay, all features are included in the new data set but the features that overlap represent a new feature. In an intersect overlay, only the areas that overlap are contained in the new data set.

Union Overlay:

The union overlay option may be very useful if the user wishes to combine data layers into one layer. For example, if the user does not wish to build a house with close proximity to a stream or a railroad, the user could create a buffer area that represents close proximity to a stream. The user could do the same for the railroad layer. Last, the user could union the two buffers. The final result would represent all areas the user does NOT wish to build a house. To perform a union overlay, the user must go to ArcToolbox's Analysis Tools, select Overlay, and then click Union. The user then specifies the input layers to union and a name for the output data set.

Again, once the OK button has been clicked, the result will be added to the ArcMap display should ArcToolbox have been used through ArcMap. The attribute table for the union layer will contain the attributes present in both input layers. In the following example an Arkansas city buffer of 25 miles and an Arkansas' major rivers buffer of 25 miles were created to represent suitable areas in which to locate a transportation terminal. These two buffers were unioned in order to represent all areas that fall within either buffer. This operation represents the Boolean OR operation.

Intersect Overlay:

To perform an intersect overlay, the user must go to Analysis Tools in ArcToolbox and click on Overlay. From the list of Overlay tools double-click on Intersect. The user is prompted to select the input features for intersection and the output feature class. In the above union overlay example, the output shows where at least one of the buffer criteria have been met. A more restrictive overlay is to find the places where BOTH criteria occur in the same place. This is otherwise known as the Boolean AND operation. The following shows the process to determine the places that are within 25 miles of an Arkansas city AND within 25 miles of a major Arkansas river.

The OK button should be clicked. The result is automatically displayed in ArcMap if ArcMap was used to access ArcToolbox. In the above union overlay example, the output shows where at least one of the buffer criteria have been met. A more restrictive overlay is to find the places where BOTH criteria occur in the same place. This is otherwise known as the Boolean AND operation. The following shows

the places that are within 25 miles of an Arkansas city AND within 25 miles of a major Arkansas river.

Calculating Attribute Values:

Using ArcMap, the user is capable of calculating new values within a layer's attribute table. The calculation can be performed on all records in a table or selected records only. The calculated values can either be text or numeric. Using a Union Overlay of the above city buffer, river buffer, and the Arkansas State boundary, the following section will explain how to perform attribute queries within the unioned layer. More specifically, the areas that fall within BOTH buffers will be named "suitable" in the attribute table. The features that only contain one or none of the buffer criteria, will be named "unsuitable."

To begin, a new field should be created in the "union" layer's attribute table using the procedure described earlier in this section. In this case, a new field was created called "Suitability" (since it will describe whether or not the feature is suitable, or falls within BOTH buffers). The type of field was text, since the user will either enter

in the words "suitable" or "unsuitable". The following shows the field after it was added to the attribute table.

Now that a new field has been created, the user must perform queries so that attributes can be calculated based on those queries. To do this, the user must double-click on the layer name in the table of contents. When the Layer Properties dialog box appears, the user should click the Definition Query tab.

Next, the Query Builder... button should be clicked. The Query Builder dialog box will appear.

Using this dialog the user can build a query that will display only the areas contained within BOTH buffers. This can be found by querying out the features where BufferDist = 30 AND BufferDi_1= 30. These are the fields that contain the city and the river buffer information. The value of 0 in either field means that the feature is NOT within 30 miles of a city or stream. The value of 30 means that the feature IS within 30 miles of the city or stream. In the Fields box, the "BufferDist" field should be double-clicked in order for it to be added to the expression box. Next, the equals (=) button should be clicked. In the Unique Values box, 30 should be double clicked. Next, the AND button should be clicked and the "BufferDi_1" field should be added to the expression box. The equals (=) button should once again be pressed, and the value of 30 should again be double-clicked. The dialog box should look like the following graphic.

When the OK button is clicked, the expression will be added to the Definition Query box.

Next, the OK button should be clicked. Only the features that meet both buffer criteria will be displayed in the Map Display.

Next, the user should right-click on the layer name and click Open Attribute Table. The table will only contain those fields that meet the query criteria.

The value "suitable" can now be added to all the records within the Suitability field (since only the "suitable" records are displayed). This can be done by right-clicking on the field name "Suitability" and clicking the Calculate Values option. NOTE: A message box will appear that informs the user they are about to make changes to a table outside an editing session. When the user clicks Yes, the Field Calculator dialog opens.

Within this dialog, the user must enter the desired attribute to be added to all of the suitable records. In this case, the user must type "suitable", and press OK.

The attribute table will be automatically updated.

In order to label all of the other attribute fields "unsuitable", a new query must be built. The following query was built.

When the OK button was clicked, the following result was displayed.

Once the attributes for the above selection were labeled "unsuitable" in the Suitability Field, all queries were cleared. The attribute table for the entire layer was displayed, and both suitability values appeared.

Making and Printing Maps Using ArcMap

Using a Map Template to Create a Map:
When a new document is opened, the user often views the data layer in Data View. To view the data in layout view, which is the view in which a map will be printed, the user must click on the View menu and select Layout View. While viewing the layout, a Layout toolbar appears. These tools can be used to navigate around the map layout.

A map template is a map document that allows the user to quickly create a new map. Map templates often contain data, a custom design, and a predefined layout that arranges map elements (North Arrows, Scale Bars, and Logos) on the page. Map templates have a .mxt file extension.

By default, a normal template is used with every ArcMap document. The layout page will be displayed as a blank, single data frame. Though these features are characteristic of a normal template, there are other templates available for use. The ArcMap user is also allowed to design and save their own template for later use with other maps.

To open a map template, ArcMap must be launched. In the ArcMap dialog, the user should click the option to use a template, then click OK. If ArcMap is already running, the user can click the File menu and click New. Within the New Template dialog box, all of the templates that come with ArcGIS can be found.

The My Templates tab contains the templates created by the user. The General and Industry tab allows the user to select a particular map layout they prefer to use with their data. The USA and World tabs allow the user to select from a variety of USA and World Maps that have already been created. The user should select which template they prefer, and click OK. Once the chosen template appears, the user can begin adding the data they wish to use in their final map. In the following example, a General map template called "Landscape Classic" was chosen to display a 1999 population map. If the data is already present within the data view, the user simply needs to switch to Layout View and select the Map Template button on the Template Toolbar.

Once a template is selected, the user's data will be incorporated to the style of the template. The user can then begin to edit the map elements (title, north arrows, legend, etc.). Most map elements are already present. The styles can be changed if the user double-clicks on a specific map element, and edits their properties.

Creating Maps Without Using a Map Template:

The previous section describes how to use a map template. In many cases, the user prefers to create their own map layout design. This section focuses on describing the creation of a map layout without using an existing map template and the addition of a map title, a north arrow, a scale bar, and a legend. Map elements may be arranged within a variety of paper sizes. In addition, the orientation of a page may be either landscape or portrait. It is recommended that the user specifies these characteristics before they begin the map layout process. Paper sizes and orientation can be selected by clicking on the File menu and selecting Page and Print Setup. The Page and Print Setup dialog box will appear.

In addition, there are rulers, guides, and grids to help the user arrange map elements on the page. These can be found by right-clicking on an empty portion of the map layout and selecting from the context menu that appears. In addition, the user may align, nudge, distribute, rotate, and resize selected elements to place them where they wish. In the following example, data has been added to the Data View and no template has been selected. However, the page size and orientation has been selected, and has been made visible by displaying the Layout View.

The map background color may be changed by selecting the data frame and clicking the down arrow next to the Fill Color button on the Draw Toolbar. When the user selects a desired color, the map background color will be updated.

A map title may be added to the layout by clicking the Insert menu and selecting the Title option. A text box will be added to the page. Within this text box, a default title will be present. The user can type in a preferred title within the text box and press Enter. After the Enter key has been pressed, the user can go back and edit the title by double-clicking the on the title and editing its text properties. The font, size, style, or color of the title may be changed using the Draw Toolbar.

A North Arrow may be added by clicking the Insert menu and selecting the North Arrow option. In the North Arrow Selector dialog box that appears, the user may select from a variety of north arrows and change the properties of any selected arrow.

Once an arrow has been selected, its properties specified, and the OK button clicked, the north arrow will be added to the map layout. The user can resize the north arrow by clicking and dragging on one of its corners. In addition, the user can move the north arrow to any desired location within the map layout.

A Scale Bar may be added by clicking the Insert menu and selecting the Scale Bar option. The desired scale bar style may be chosen and its properties my be edited within the Scale Bar Selector dialog box.

When the OK button has been clicked, the chosen scale bar will automatically appear within the map layout. The user can click and drag the scale bar to the desired location.

A Legend may be added by clicking the Insert menu and selecting the Legend option. The Legend Wizard dialog box will appear.

By default, the legend includes all layers from the map, and the number of legend columns is set to one. The user can choose which layers may be displayed in the legend by selecting the layer from the Map Layer box and clicking the right arrow (>>). The selected layers will be displayed in the Legend Items box. Once the user selects the layers they want, the Next button should be clicked. The second frame of the wizard will appear.

Within this frame, the user enters a legend title, specifies its properties, and sets the title justification. Once the parameters are set the user can click the Preview button in order to see a sample legend displayed on the map. The user must click the Preview button again before they can move on to the next frame of the legend wizard dialog. When all parameters have been selected, the Next button should be clicked. The next frame of the wizard will appear.

Within this frame, the user may select a Legend Frame border, background color, and drop shadow. Once parameters are selected, the Next button should be clicked. The next frame of the wizard will appear.

Within this frame, the user may change the size and shape of the symbol patch used to represent line and polygon features within the legend. Once parameters have been set, the Next button should be clicked. The last frame of the wizard will appear.

Within this frame, the user may change the spacing between the different components of the legend. Once the spacing has been set, the Finish button should be clicked. The layout display will updated, and the user can re-size and move the legend box to a desired location.

Selecting Print Options:

If the user has not already selected parameters within the page setup dialog box, they should do so before printing. This can be done by clicking the File menu and selecting Page and Print Setup. A dialog box appears.

The user needs to make sure that the map size is the same as the printer page size. Once all parameters have been chosen, the OK button should be clicked. Before printing the map, the user should always preview their map. This can be done by clicking the File menu and selecting Print Preview. This allows the user to see if anything needs to be changed before the map is printed. If changes need to be made, the Print Preview should be closed (by clicking the Close button), and the appropriate changes should be made. If everything appears the way that it should, the user may click the Print button. Appropriate print parameters must be set, and the OK button should be clicked when the user is ready to print the map.

ArcGIS Desktop version 9 ArcInfo functional level (includes ArcView and ArcEditor functionality) tutorial. This tutorial was designed for ArcGIS Desktop version 9 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. The following describes the content of each section contained within this introductory ArcGIS tutorial. Section 1: Getting Started with ArcGIS: ArcCatalog, ArcMap, and ArcToolbox o ArcGIS Applications Description: Gives a brief description of the common uses and functions that each ArcGIS application (ArcCatalog, ArcMap, and ArcToolbox) has to offer. o 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). o 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. o 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. o 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. o Using ArcToolbox: Describes the ArcToolbox interface and the variety of tools available to the user. Section 2: Manipulating Display Parameters in ArcMap o 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. o 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. o 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 o Identifying, Selecting, and Finding Features: Describes how to quickly retrieve information about features through the processes of identifying, selecting, and/or finding. o Selecting Features by Attributes: Describes how to perform an attribute query that will automatically select features within the map display that meet specified criteria. o 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. o 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 o Selecting Features: Describes the necessity and the steps taken to clip multiple features from a data layer using the features of another data layer, using ArcToolbox. o Clipping Features:

Describes the necessity and the steps taken to clip features within one layer based on the features within another, using ArcToolbox. o Dissolving Features: Describes the necessity and the steps taken to dissolve multiple features within a data set into one feature, using ArcToolbox. o Exporting Data: Describes a way in which the user can create a NEW DATASET that contains ONLY selected features within an existing data set. o 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. o 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 o Buffering Features: Describes how to create a distance buffer using the Buffer Wizard in ArcMap. o 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. o 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 o 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. o 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. o Selecting Print Options: Describes how to select the appropriate parameters in order to print the size and shape map preferred.