1. Working with GIS: Introduction to ArcGIS

2. In preparation for the first lab, you will: Be briefly introduced to the ArcGIS product family of ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo; learn the fundamental differences in functionality between them; learn about the basic functionality of ArcCatalog, ArcMap, and ArcToolbox, which we will use in Lab 1 and all subsequent labs.

3. Overview of ArcGIS ArcGIS is a comprehensive, integrated, scalable system designed to meet the needs of a wide range of GIS users. The three desktop GIS components of ArcGIS are: ArcGIS is a comprehensive, integrated, scalable system designed to meet the needs of a wide range of GIS users. The three desktop GIS components of ArcGIS are: ArcView ArcView ArcEditor ArcEditor ArcInfo ArcInfo

4. Depending on your requirements, you may employ one or a combination of the ArcGIS components across your network. With all three ArcGIS components, you can view databases managed by ArcSDE, but it's only with ArcEditor and ArcInfo that you can write to such databases. Depending on your requirements, you may employ one or a combination of the ArcGIS components across your network. With all three ArcGIS components, you can view databases managed by ArcSDE, but it's only with ArcEditor and ArcInfo that you can write to such databases. (ArcSDE is a client/server software program that enables spatial data to be stored, managed, and quickly retrieved from leading commercial database management systems (DBMS).)

5. All three ArcGIS components are built from the same core technology. ArcView includes ArcCatalog, ArcMap, and ArcToolbox, which allow you to browse, manage, analyze, edit, and document your data. ArcView includes ArcCatalog, ArcMap, and ArcToolbox, which allow you to browse, manage, analyze, edit, and document your data. ArcEditor has all the functionality of ArcView plus powerful tools for editing shapefiles and geodatabases. ArcEditor has all the functionality of ArcView plus powerful tools for editing shapefiles and geodatabases.shapefiles ArcInfo provides the most functionality and includes all of the capabilities of ArcEditor plus additional geoprocessing tools and a full version of ArcInfo Workstation (comprised of ARC, ArcEdit, ArcPlot, INFO, and ARC Macro Language or AML). ArcInfo provides the most functionality and includes all of the capabilities of ArcEditor plus additional geoprocessing tools and a full version of ArcInfo Workstation (comprised of ARC, ArcEdit, ArcPlot, INFO, and ARC Macro Language or AML).

6. In this class, we will be working with some of the components in ArcView 8

7. ArcView 8 is a powerful GIS data visualization, query, analysis, and map creation solution designed for Microsoft® Windows NT/2000. It provides interactive tools for exploring, selecting, displaying, editing, analyzing, symbolizing, and classifying data as well as for automatically creating, updating, and managing metadata. ArcView 8 includes ArcCatalog, ArcMap, and ArcToolbox. ArcView 8 is a powerful GIS data visualization, query, analysis, and map creation solution designed for Microsoft® Windows NT/2000. It provides interactive tools for exploring, selecting, displaying, editing, analyzing, symbolizing, and classifying data as well as for automatically creating, updating, and managing metadata. ArcView 8 includes ArcCatalog, ArcMap, and ArcToolbox.

8. More details: Additionally, ArcView is "Web-enabled." This means you can dynamically browse and retrieve geographic data available on the World Wide Web. ArcView's File menu has a direct connection to the Geography Network. Additionally, ArcView is "Web-enabled." This means you can dynamically browse and retrieve geographic data available on the World Wide Web. ArcView's File menu has a direct connection to the Geography Network.Geography NetworkGeography Network Because it is built on COM (Component Object Model) technology, you can customize ArcView 8 either by writing macros in Visual Basic for Applications (included with ArcView) or by creating extensions using standard development environments like Visual Basic, C++, and Delphi. Because it is built on COM (Component Object Model) technology, you can customize ArcView 8 either by writing macros in Visual Basic for Applications (included with ArcView) or by creating extensions using standard development environments like Visual Basic, C++, and Delphi.Component Object ModelComponent Object Model

9. ArcView 8 works with all core ArcGIS software products, including ArcSDE and ArcIMS. It also works with all new ArcGIS extension products, including: Spatial Analyst Spatial Analyst ArcView 3D Analyst ArcView 3D Analyst ArcPress ArcPress Geostatistical Analyst Geostatistical Analyst StreetMap StreetMap

10. With ArcView8 you can: explore, display, and query spatial data explore, display, and query spatial data access a comprehensive suite of editing tools for shapefiles and perform simple feature editing on personal geodatabases access a comprehensive suite of editing tools for shapefiles and perform simple feature editing on personal geodatabases perform geoprocessing operations perform geoprocessing operations create presentation-quality maps with a comprehensive suite of cartographic tools and wizards create presentation-quality maps with a comprehensive suite of cartographic tools and wizards create reports and sophisticated two- and three- dimensional graphs create reports and sophisticated two- and three- dimensional graphs perform layer-level projection (including imagery) perform layer-level projection (including imagery) create and manage annotation create and manage annotation view maps from the Internet view maps from the Internet import data from and export data to a variety of common formats import data from and export data to a variety of common formats

11. Other ESRI GIS products…

12. ArcEditor ArcEditor is the intermediate ArcGIS application— it provides more functionality than ArcView but less than ArcInfo—and is designed for organizations that employ an enterprise GIS system. As its name implies, ArcEditor adds significant editing functionality to the GIS enterprise. ArcEditor is the intermediate ArcGIS application— it provides more functionality than ArcView but less than ArcInfo—and is designed for organizations that employ an enterprise GIS system. As its name implies, ArcEditor adds significant editing functionality to the GIS enterprise. An example of how ArcEditor fits into a GIS enterprise solution would be an organization that has one ArcInfo seat and ArcSDE, a relational database management system (RDBMS), a small staff of geodatabase editors using ArcEditor, and many staff querying and viewing the geodatabase using ArcView. An example of how ArcEditor fits into a GIS enterprise solution would be an organization that has one ArcInfo seat and ArcSDE, a relational database management system (RDBMS), a small staff of geodatabase editors using ArcEditor, and many staff querying and viewing the geodatabase using ArcView.

14. ArcEditor contains all of the functionality of ArcView plus additional functionality for editing shapefiles and geodatabases. With ArcEditor, you can create and update databases and database schema for personal and enterprise geodatabases. ArcEditor contains all of the functionality of ArcView plus additional functionality for editing shapefiles and geodatabases. With ArcEditor, you can create and update databases and database schema for personal and enterprise geodatabases. You can also perform advanced geodatabase editing, such as adding and modifying feature behavior, relationships, and rules. Of course, you also have a complete set of mapping and data query tools. You can also perform advanced geodatabase editing, such as adding and modifying feature behavior, relationships, and rules. Of course, you also have a complete set of mapping and data query tools.

15. ArcInfo ArcInfo is the most powerful and functionally rich application in the ArcGIS product family. In addition to all the functionality included in ArcView and ArcEditor, ArcInfo includes a complete ArcToolbox application and a full version of ArcInfo Workstation (ARC, ArcEdit, ArcPlot, AML, and all extensions). ArcInfo is the complete GIS data creation, update, query, mapping, and analysis system. ArcInfo is the most powerful and functionally rich application in the ArcGIS product family. In addition to all the functionality included in ArcView and ArcEditor, ArcInfo includes a complete ArcToolbox application and a full version of ArcInfo Workstation (ARC, ArcEdit, ArcPlot, AML, and all extensions). ArcInfo is the complete GIS data creation, update, query, mapping, and analysis system.

17. With ArcInfo, you have open access to data processing functions so that you can integrate ArcInfo with other applications. Because ArcMap and ArcCatalog are based on COM (Component Object Model) technology, you can model the diversity and complexity of real-world features and concepts by assigning rules and behaviors to objects. With ArcInfo, you have open access to data processing functions so that you can integrate ArcInfo with other applications. Because ArcMap and ArcCatalog are based on COM (Component Object Model) technology, you can model the diversity and complexity of real-world features and concepts by assigning rules and behaviors to objects.

18. The Applications we are going to be working with include ArcCatalog, ArcMap, and ArcToolbox People typically interact with a GIS through data, maps, and tools.

19. ArcCatalog Think of ArcCatalog as a window into your database. In ArcCatalog, you can browse, organize, distribute, and document your GIS data. ArcCatalog resembles the Microsoft Windows Explorer but is designed for viewing geographic databases, maps, and metadata. Think of ArcCatalog as a window into your database. In ArcCatalog, you can browse, organize, distribute, and document your GIS data. ArcCatalog resembles the Microsoft Windows Explorer but is designed for viewing geographic databases, maps, and metadata. To access data on your computer's hard drives or your local network, you click the Connect to Folder button and navigate to the data. ArcCatalog also includes a Database Connections dialog to help you access ArcSDE and OLE DB databases. To access data on your computer's hard drives or your local network, you click the Connect to Folder button and navigate to the data. ArcCatalog also includes a Database Connections dialog to help you access ArcSDE and OLE DB databases.

20. The collection of connections you set up to your geographic data is called the Catalog. The Catalog Tree gives you access to all of the Catalog's contents. In the ArcCatalog window shown here, the Catalog Tree is on the left side. The collection of connections you set up to your geographic data is called the Catalog. The Catalog Tree gives you access to all of the Catalog's contents. In the ArcCatalog window shown here, the Catalog Tree is on the left side.

21. Inside ArcCatalog there are three tabs, each of which provides a unique way to view the contents of a selected item in the Catalog Tree. The Contents tab shows you a list of the selected item's contents. The Preview tab lets you see the data (both geographic and tabular) contained in the selected item. The Metadata tab gives you access to documentation about the selected item. Inside ArcCatalog there are three tabs, each of which provides a unique way to view the contents of a selected item in the Catalog Tree. The Contents tab shows you a list of the selected item's contents. The Preview tab lets you see the data (both geographic and tabular) contained in the selected item. The Metadata tab gives you access to documentation about the selected item.

22. There are different ways to preview geographic data. You can create thumbnail images of your data to display it graphically, or you can display it with large icons, with small icons in list view, or in details view which displays small icons and the data's properties. There are different ways to preview geographic data. You can create thumbnail images of your data to display it graphically, or you can display it with large icons, with small icons in list view, or in details view which displays small icons and the data's properties. It is important to keep records of your GIS data inventory. You may need information about the data's accuracy or how a set of measurements was collected. An item's metadata includes this type of documentation, along with many properties derived from the data automatically. ArcCatalog provides metadata editors, which you can use to create, edit, and view metadata. It is important to keep records of your GIS data inventory. You may need information about the data's accuracy or how a set of measurements was collected. An item's metadata includes this type of documentation, along with many properties derived from the data automatically. ArcCatalog provides metadata editors, which you can use to create, edit, and view metadata.

23. ArcMap ArcMap is the application you use to view and edit geographic data and create professional- quality maps, graphs, and reports. ArcMap is the application you use to view and edit geographic data and create professional- quality maps, graphs, and reports. A map is the fundamental component you work with in ArcMap. Maps help you visualize geographic data by showing you where things are and what they look like. You can drag and drop data from ArcCatalog directly into ArcMap. When you want to work with a map, open ArcCatalog, find the desired map document, and simply drag it onto the ArcMap display area. A map is the fundamental component you work with in ArcMap. Maps help you visualize geographic data by showing you where things are and what they look like. You can drag and drop data from ArcCatalog directly into ArcMap. When you want to work with a map, open ArcCatalog, find the desired map document, and simply drag it onto the ArcMap display area.

24. Geographic information is displayed on a map as layers, where each layer represents a particular type of feature. In ArcMap, the Table of Contents lists all the layers shown on the map. By default, the Table of Contents is located on the left side of the ArcMap application window, but you can move it to a different position if you like. The order of layers within the Table of Contents is important; the layers at the top of the Table of Contents draw on top of the layers below them. Thus, you should put the layers that form the background of your map, such as the ocean, at the bottom of the Table of Contents. Geographic information is displayed on a map as layers, where each layer represents a particular type of feature. In ArcMap, the Table of Contents lists all the layers shown on the map. By default, the Table of Contents is located on the left side of the ArcMap application window, but you can move it to a different position if you like. The order of layers within the Table of Contents is important; the layers at the top of the Table of Contents draw on top of the layers below them. Thus, you should put the layers that form the background of your map, such as the ocean, at the bottom of the Table of Contents.layers

25. Sometimes, however, just looking at a map isn't enough. You need to find specific information about features on the map to solve problems. In ArcMap, just by pointing and clicking on features, you can find out what they are and access the information about them that's contained in the database. Sometimes, however, just looking at a map isn't enough. You need to find specific information about features on the map to solve problems. In ArcMap, just by pointing and clicking on features, you can find out what they are and access the information about them that's contained in the database. ArcMap makes it easy to design maps for printing, embedding in other documents, or publishing electronically. For some data, other presentation methods are more effective than a map. Graphs and reports can show at a glance the information of interest. ArcMap provides many options for creating sophisticated graphs and reports. ArcMap makes it easy to design maps for printing, embedding in other documents, or publishing electronically. For some data, other presentation methods are more effective than a map. Graphs and reports can show at a glance the information of interest. ArcMap provides many options for creating sophisticated graphs and reports.

26. ArcToolbox ArcToolbox is the application you use to perform advanced GIS analysis tasks and sophisticated geographic data processing jobs, like projecting your data or creating and integrating a variety of data formats into usable GIS databases. If you've identified the datasets you want to work with in ArcCatalog you can drag and drop them into ArcToolbox or you can use ArcToolbox's browse functions to locate the datasets you want to use. ArcToolbox is the application you use to perform advanced GIS analysis tasks and sophisticated geographic data processing jobs, like projecting your data or creating and integrating a variety of data formats into usable GIS databases. If you've identified the datasets you want to work with in ArcCatalog you can drag and drop them into ArcToolbox or you can use ArcToolbox's browse functions to locate the datasets you want to use.

28. Using the Add a Custom Tool wizard, you can add your own custom tools to ArcToolbox. The tools you create must have a.exe or.dll extension. Using the Add a Custom Tool wizard, you can add your own custom tools to ArcToolbox. The tools you create must have a.exe or.dll extension. ArcInfo's ArcToolbox contains a more extensive set of tools (over 140) compared to the ArcToolbox included with ArcView and ArcEditor. With ArcInfo's ArcToolbox, you can convert virtually all major spatial data formats. You can generate and maintain topology; join, clip, and split map sheets, and use advanced modeling tools. It also provides wizard interfaces for complex tasks like data conversion, overlay processing, buffer creation, projection, and map transformation. ArcInfo's ArcToolbox contains a more extensive set of tools (over 140) compared to the ArcToolbox included with ArcView and ArcEditor. With ArcInfo's ArcToolbox, you can convert virtually all major spatial data formats. You can generate and maintain topology; join, clip, and split map sheets, and use advanced modeling tools. It also provides wizard interfaces for complex tasks like data conversion, overlay processing, buffer creation, projection, and map transformation. ArcInfo's ArcToolbox provides a link to ArcInfo Workstation's ARC, ArcEdit, and ArcPlot because it seamlessly accesses their functionality through the Open Development Environment (ODE). This also allows ArcInfo users to execute existing AML programs in addition to system executables and DLL files. ArcInfo's ArcToolbox provides a link to ArcInfo Workstation's ARC, ArcEdit, and ArcPlot because it seamlessly accesses their functionality through the Open Development Environment (ODE). This also allows ArcInfo users to execute existing AML programs in addition to system executables and DLL files.

29. HELP!! HJELP!! AYUDA! HILFE! Learning a new software product can be frustrating without useful online documentation. ArcGIS online help provides comprehensive explanations of procedures, tools, buttons, and commands. Learning a new software product can be frustrating without useful online documentation. ArcGIS online help provides comprehensive explanations of procedures, tools, buttons, and commands.

30. The ArcGIS Desktop Help consists of a help viewer with two panes: a navigation pane (on the left) and a topic pane (on the right). The navigation pane has four tabs: Contents, Index, Search, and Favorites. The topic pane is for viewing help topics. The ArcGIS Desktop Help consists of a help viewer with two panes: a navigation pane (on the left) and a topic pane (on the right). The navigation pane has four tabs: Contents, Index, Search, and Favorites. The topic pane is for viewing help topics.

31. Clicking the Contents tab displays the Table of Contents for help topics. You can see general topics and how they are organized. Clicking the Contents tab displays the Table of Contents for help topics. You can see general topics and how they are organized. Clicking the Index tab allows you to search through the index for topics by entering one or more keywords, such as "Layer" or "Table." Clicking the Index tab allows you to search through the index for topics by entering one or more keywords, such as "Layer" or "Table." Clicking the Search tab allows you to find every help topic containing a word or phrase that you specify, whether the word or phrase is in the index or not (of course, it will take longer if it's not in the index). Clicking the Search tab allows you to find every help topic containing a word or phrase that you specify, whether the word or phrase is in the index or not (of course, it will take longer if it's not in the index). Clicking the Favorites tab allows you to create a personalized list of favorite help topics. The list is saved and appears each time you open the help system. Clicking the Favorites tab allows you to create a personalized list of favorite help topics. The list is saved and appears each time you open the help system.

32. Clicking on a topic in the Contents tab opens that topic in the topic pane on the right. In the Index, Search, and Favorites tabs, clicking the Display button opens the selected topic. Clicking on a topic in the Contents tab opens that topic in the topic pane on the right. In the Index, Search, and Favorites tabs, clicking the Display button opens the selected topic. In ArcCatalog, ArcMap, and ArcToolbox, button and tool names are displayed when you move the mouse over them (these are called tool tips). Additionally, you can click the What's This? button, then click a button or tool to access additional help about it (this is called context- sensitive help). In ArcCatalog, ArcMap, and ArcToolbox, button and tool names are displayed when you move the mouse over them (these are called tool tips). Additionally, you can click the What's This? button, then click a button or tool to access additional help about it (this is called context- sensitive help).