ΕΚΠΑΙΔΕΥΣΗ ΣΕ ΒΑΣΙΚΑ ΘΕΜΑΤΑ GIS

Ιούνιος 2023
INTRODUCTION TO ARCMAP
ArcMap is where you create maps and access most of the ArcGIS functionality.
You can add and edit data, query and symbolize map layers, and create map
layouts for printing.

Starting ArcMap
You can launch ArcMap in more than one way. The most common way is to
click on the start menu and go to “All Programs,” then the ArcGIS folder, then
ArcMap 10. If you don’t see ArcGIS in the list of programs, don’t worry, it might
still be intstalled on your computer. Look in c:\\Program Files for a ArcGIS folder.
Open the ArcGIS folder, then the Desktop 10.0 folder, then the Bin folder inside
Adding Data
that. Double-click on the ArcMap.exe file to start ArcMap. If it’s not there then
Unless you open an Arcview .mxd file that someone else created, you will need
ArcGIS is not installed on your computer.
to add data to get started. From the file menu, go to “Add data” or click on
the “Add data” button (yellow square with large black +sign) on the Standard
toolbar. Navigate to the folder where you have your map layers. with ArcGIS
10, you can use the “Add Data” button to accessto other options: Add Basemap
and Add Data From ArcGIS Online. From the “Add Basemep” option, you
can import Bing and Google aerial images, street and topo maps, and others.
Through ArcGIS Online, you can import data many additional layers that
If you want to create a desktop icon for ArcMap (so you don’t have to go
include data (such as zip codes with 2010 population estimates). The “Add Data”
through all of that again), right click on the ArcMap.exe file and choose “create
option allows you to navigate to a folder and add your own map layers.
shortcut.” Then copy and paste the shortcut to your desktop.

when ArcMap opens, it will ask if you want to open an blank map, use a
template, or browse for an existing map document. when you are first creating
a map, you will probably start with a blank map soclick “OK.” If the default is
to add an existing project, click on “My Templates” and then “Blank Map.”
 click on the folder named “Folder connection” and choose “connect Folder.”
CATALOG w INDOW Navigate until you find the folder with your data and click “OK.” Your folder
should now be listed under “catalog” next to a icon. One note of caution: You
Arccatalog isa system for managing and organizing map files. One big differ-
do not need to do this repeatedly. Once you have established a connection to
ence with ArcGIS 10is that a version of it (called “catalog window”) is integrat-
your folder, you will not need to do it again unless you change computers. If
ed into ArcMap. You can still open Arccatalog without opening ArcMap but it
you create a new connection to the folder each time you use ArcGIS, your path
is much easier to use from inside ArcMap. To launch Arccatalog within ArcMap,
options will become unmanageable. If you have one directory where you store
click on the catalog window. Arccatalog will open on the far right.
all your GIS files, consider connecting to that rather than each individual folder
inside.

You can add map layers from Arccatalog, but you can also view and add
toolboxes, create geocoding services, edit and view metadata among other im-
portant “housekeeping” tasks. The tree within the catalog window will include a
number of folders that are commonly used with ArcGIS. In order to add your
own map layers, you will need to “connect to Folder” to show ArcMap where
those other important folders reside. To create a connection to a new folder,
click on the “connect To Folder” icon at the top of the catalog window or right

when you view map layers within Arccatalog, you seethem the way ArcGIS
seesthem. Some of the types of files used in ArcGIS, including shapefiles,
coverages, and grids, are made up of multiple files that only together create
a map layer. If you viewed them outside of Arccatalog (in My computer, for
example), you would see all of the files listed with extensions such as .dbf, .shp,
.shx. within Arccatalog, you will seeonly a single file. This is especially helpful
when you are moving or copying data.

View from Catalog Window View from My Computer

You can add data to ArcMap by dragging and dropping files from Arcwindow.
The icons used to represent the data indicate the type of data. A light green icon
with lines (broad_street_line.shp) indicates a line shapefile; a light green icon
with three dots (highspeed_stations.shp) indicates a point shapefile; a light green
icon with a square cut into three pieces is a polygon shapefile. An icon with a
white square and two columns of lines (BusStop_TotalLines.dbf) is a table.

You can view and edit the metadata for any of your files. Right click on a file
and go to “item description.” In most cases, the metadata will probably be
empty. If you get into the habit of filling in at least a basic description about Other Arccatalog Functions
what the data are, who created them and when, you will make it much easier Arccatalog also has extensive search capabilities, making it possible to locate
to keep track of and share your files. click on the “Edit” button to add or change files based on name, location on your computer, geographic location, and date.
the metadata. You can create new shapefiles in Arccatalog. This will be described in the section
“creating New Shapefiles.”
customizing the Interface You can move a toolbar by double-clicking on it to the left of the buttons
ArcMap is made up of many different windows and (dock-able) toolbars that (where there is a sort of handle at the edge). You can “dock” it by moving it
you can resize and move around, so don’t be surprised if ArcMap looks slightly over any of the gray areas on the screen. To add or remove a toolbar, go to the
different each time you open it. customize menu, then “Toolbars” or double-click on an empty gray part of the
screen. Anything with a check mark next to it will be displayed.
The window on the left that lists your map layers is the Table of contents; the
window on the right that shows your map is the map display. You can close the You can add new buttons to existing toolbars from the “customize” option. click
table of contents by clicking on the “X.” To bring your table of contents back, on the “commands” button to see your options. One especially helpful button
go to the window menu, then Table of contents. By clicking on the tack symbol allows you to zoom continuously. Scroll down to the category on the left called
next to the “X” you can hide the Table of contents; to bring it back, click on the “pan/zoom,” then left click on the “continuous Pan and Zoom” button on the
word “table of contents” which will be running vertically on the far left. Resize right and drag it to your tools toolbar (the toolbar with the outline of a hand
it by holding your cursor over the right edge until it changes to a two-headed and an image of a globe in the middle) and release (see image on previous
arrow, then left-click and drag the edge to resize this window. page). You can also add new buttons and tools by importing scripts. That process
is explained in a later section called “working with scripts.”

The map layers you add will draw in the order in which they appear in the
Table of contents--so the layer at the top will draw on top and the layer at the
bottom will draw on the bottom. You can change the order by left clicking on
the layer you wish to move and dragging it to a new position. The icons at the
top of the Table of contents allow for different views on your data--by source
(so you can seewhere each file exists on your compute), by visibility (layers
turned on will be listed first), and by selection (indicating whether any features
are selected). You can only change the order of your layers from the first option,
“List by Drawing Order” which is the default when you open ArcMap.
Navigating a Map
There are several tools available for zooming in and out of your map.

The continuous zoom tool gives you the The fixed zoom in/fixed zoom out tools The full extent button will zoom in or out
greatest amount of control, but you have give you the least control but also may so that all of your active (checked) map
to add this by customizing your toolbar (see keep you from zooming in or out too much layers can be viewed. This is very helpful
“customizing the Interface” above). click and losing your map. Each time you click, when you zoom in or out too much and
on the continuous zoom tool, then left click you will zoom in or out a fixed amount. can’t see your map layers. You can also
on your map, hold down the mouse button, zoom in to a single layer by right clicking
and move your mouse away from you to The pan tool works like the continu- on the layer in the table of contents and
zoom in and toward you to zoom out. If ous zoom tool when you right click on it. choosing “zoom to layer.”
you right click and hold down, this becomes Think of the pan tool as a sticky hand you
a tool for panning (moving map around set down on a piece of paper. You use it
without changing the extent). to move your map up, down, left or right The previous extent button allow you
without changing the extent (the degree to to return to the extent you had before
Using the non-continuous zoom tools, which you are zoomed in or out). zooming in or out. The next extent button
you can click on your map to zoom in or out allows you to jump forward an extent (after
at a fixed amount or to draw a box around You can also pan by using the scroll bars you have used the previous extent button).
the area that you want to see in more or less on the right and bottom of your map. This is a sort of “undo” button in regard to
detail. The new map will be drawn so that However, these are not the best way to navigation.
the area you drew the box around is in the navigate since they are really designed for
middle of the map display. scrolling in word document or image.
Setting Map Units, Display Units and Map Projection

One of the very first things that you should do after adding data is to set the map and display
units. It is also a good idea to set the projection (if desired) at this stage as well. Setting these
units will allow you to measure distances or compute areas. Display units should also be set if
you are planning to create a map layout with a distance scale. To set the map and display units:

1. Right click on the data frame ‘Layers’ at the top of the legend and scroll down to ‘Properties.’
Identifying Attributes of Features
The points, lines, and polygons that make up vector map layers are all map
features that have attributes stored in a table. This is part of what makes
GIS unique, that it can connect attributes of a location to that location.
You can access this information in several different ways. Using the identify
(“i”) tool, click on a map feature in the map display. An “identify results”
box will display all of the information known about that feature. Notice
the layers dropdown menu. The default in ArcMap is to display information
only about the top-most layer. You can change this using the dropdown
menu at the top of the identify pop-up box.

Showing Map Tips

Map tips are small text boxes that appear when you hold the cursor over a
map feature. You can only see one attribute at a time (unlike the identify
tool, which allows you to see all the attributes know for that map feature),
but using map tips is much simpler and allows you to get a quick idea of the
attributes. To turn on map tips, double click on your shapefile name in the
table of contents and, from the Layer Properties, make the Display tab active.
Put a check mark in the “Show Map Tips using the display expression” box. To
change the “display expression,” use the dropdown menu just above.
Selecting Features
You can also use the select features tool to identify attributes, either by clicking
on a particular map feature or by drawing a rectangle, polygon, cirle, line or
using the lasso selection tool. The selected features should become highlighted
with a blue outline. Right click on the map layer that contains the feature(s)
that you wish to investigate and go to “open attribute table.” This table includes
all the attributes of all the features in that layer. In order to view just the
selected feature(s), click on the “Show Selected Features” button at the bottom
of the table. Notice that there will be an indication of how many records out of You can also highlight a feature on the map by clicking on a row in the table
the total have been selected. (you need to click in the gray area on the far left). This way, you can find a
specific place (such as cyprus) on your map. You can change the selection color
from “options…” in the Selection menu. It is also possible to use different selection
colors for each layer. Double click on a map layer, or right click and go to “prop-
erties.” choose the selection tab and then select the last radio button, “Show
selected features with this color.” This will only change the selection color for this
map layer.

To unselect records (and get rid of the blue highlight), you can do one of several
things:
1.Open the attribute table (right click on the name in the Table of contents and
go to “Open Attribute Table”) and then click on the “clear Selected Features”
button at the top;
2.with the attribute table open, click on the “Table Options” button on the top
left and go to “clear Selection” ;
3. From the Selection menu in ArcMap, choose “clear Selected Features;
4.From the Table of contents, click on the “List by Selection” button to see
which map layer has selected features, then right click on the one with selected
features and go to “clear Selected Features.”
 mark beside the layer name, ArcMap will bring up a dialog asking where you
Managing & saving DATA moved the file. Navigating to the file in its new location and clicking “add” will
solve the problem.
Many of the frustrations of new GISusers relate to saving files. ArcGIS works
differently from most software, so if you do not take care in naming and saving
your files, you will not be able to find or open your work.

Saving ArcMap Documents (.mxd)

An ArcMap document is made up of all the map layers you have added and
all of the functions you have applied to them. It is best to only save an ArcMap
document when you have spent a significant amount of time.
w hen you open ArcMap, you are prompted to specify whether you wish to
open an existing map document or create a new one. Most of the time when
you are learning to use Arcview, you can create a new ArcMap document. If
you will need to return to your work once you start symbolizing your map layers
Saving Relative Paths
and designing a layout for printing, you will probably want to save an ArcMap Relative paths can help you avoid the red exclamation points some of the time. If
document. You do this by going to the File menu and choosing save. This file will you have all of the files belonging to a map document in a single folder, you can
save all of the work you have done, including the list of data you have added
move it to a new location and still open it with relative paths. From the File
and the changes you have made to layer properties, symbology, and the layout.
menu, go to “Map Document.” and check the box next to “Pathnames” that
says “Save relative pathnames to data sources.”
The .mxd file does NOT save all of the data you included in your map. Instead,
it includes information about the location of those files on your computer (or
network, or Internet) and the formatting changes you made. This means that
you cannot move the data files you’ve included in a map document or just
put your .mxd file on a thumb drive to open on a different computer without
running into problems. It also means that map documents can be difficult to
transfer from one computer to another. If you do move one of the files used in
your map document, that layer will be shown with a ! next to it and will not
draw when you open your map document. If you click on the grayed out check
creating Map Packages Saving Map Layers
ArcGIS 10includes an option to package up your .mxd file with all the data used In addition to saving the entire workspace with a map document, you can save
to create the map document on the model of Adobe products. This is especially an individual map layer (.lyr). This file will store all the formatting changes you
useful for moving your files for a specific project from one computer (or location have made to the layer. This isparticularly helpful if you want to use the same
on a computer) to another or sharing the files with someone else. From the layer, with the same symbology, in another map document. As with the .mxd
File menu, go to “create a Map Package.” You must save the map document file, the .lyr file only includes information about the formatting and the path to
(.mdx) file first, then the map package.You will also need to give the map the original data (generally a shapefile). Moving your original data, or moving
document a description (title, summary and other information are optional) and the .lyr file to another computer, will create problems.
indicate where you want to save the map package. Once you have identified
the location where the package should be saved, click the “validate” button to Naming Files
make sure all of the associated files can be found. Then click “Share” to create Naming your files in a clear and consistent manner will make working with
the map package. Map packages have the extension .mpk. ArcMap much easier. You need to develop your own naming convention that
makes sense to you. You may create multiple versions of the same shapefile that
are only slightly different, so your naming convention should reflect those differ-
ences (in year, projection, attributes, geographic level, etc.). For example:

Phila_tracts_2000_UTM.shp
Phila_tracts_1990_UTM.shp
Phila_bgroups_2000_stateplane.shp
NYc_tracts_1990_UTM.shp
NYc_tracts_1990_StatePlane.shp
PA_tracts_2000_StatePlane.shp

ArcGIS can work with file names that are more than 8 characters, but really long
names can be difficult to work with. ArcGIS can also work with files that have
spaces in their name (such as Phila tracts.shp), but this can create problems (es-
pecially with attribute names) so it is best to avoid by using underscores ( _ ).
 click on the folder icon to show Arcview exactly where you want the new file
Saving and Storing Files
The most important thing in storing files for ArcMap is to think through a system and then give the file a new name. Otherwise you will end up with files called

BEFORE you start, so you can avoid moving files and disabling your map docu- “Export_Output.shp” and other unhelpful things like that. No one can help you

ments and layers. consider creating a new directory for each new mapping if you don’t know where your files are or what you called them (trust me, this is

project. Keep all map documents, map layers, and tables in that directory. Even about the worst problem you can have with ArcGIS).

though it will require more storage space, you may want to keep separate
copies of the same map layer, such as a streets layer, in each project folder As you create new versions of old layers, delete the old layers to keep your files

where you will be using it. As you work with ArcGIS, you will also be creating neat. And remember, it’s best to delete files from the catalog window.

new tables and shapefiles. whenever ArcGIS is creating a new file, you will be
given an opportunity to give it a name and specify a location with a dialogue
box like this:
GeodataBase
There are two types of geodatabase architectures; these are Personal geodatabases and
Multiuser geodatabases.

1. Personal geodatabases, which are freely available to all ArcGIS users. It uses the
Microsoft Jet Engine database file structure /MS Access/.
• Personal geodatabases are much like file-based workspaces and hold
databases up to 2 GB in size. o Microsoft Access is used to work with
attribute tables in personal geodatabases.
• It is ideal for working with smaller datasets.
• It supports single user editing.
2. Multiuser geodatabases require the use of ArcSDE and work with a variety of DBMS
storage models (IBM DB2, Informix, Oracle.both with and without Oracle
Spatial.and SQL Server).
• Multiuser geodatabases are primarily used in a wide range of work o
• It uses to extremely large, continuous GIS databases.
• Many simultaneous users.
• Extremely large sizes.

Personal Geodatabase

ArcCatalog works based on file hierarchy. Folder is the top on the hierarchy. The second,
third and forth are Geodatabase, Feature Dataset and Feature Class respectively.
Therefore, feature class can be stored in feature dataset, feature dataset can store in
geodatabase and geodatabase can store in folder.

N.B There are a possibility to do without the use of geodatabase directly in folders but we
strongly advise you to use a geodatabase approach.

To create personal Geodatabase

1. Right click on the selected folder
2. Click New
1 3. Click on Personal Geodatabase.
4. Rename the name
2
GeodataBase To create feature Dataset

1. Right click on the created geodatabse

2. Click New
3. Click on Feature Dataset
4. Write the name of your feature dataset and click Next
5. Select the projection and click /select, Projected coordinate system, UTM, Others GCS and Adindan
UTM Zone 37N and Next
6. Accept the default and click Next
7. Accept the default and click Finish. The new feature dataset will added to your table of content

1 2 3

6 7

To Import Feature Class

1. Right click on the created feature dataset

1 2. Click Import
3. Select new and click single or multiple feature class
4. Follow the wizard
3
5. Click Ok

Importing single feature class Importing multiple feature class

Importing single feature class needs the output name where as the multiple feature class does not an output data name it uses
the input data.
ArcGIS Manual for Tana Beles Project Woreda Prepared by WME TA Team /GIS and Database Advisor/
DATA formats
Adding XY Data
ArcGIS can work with many different types of data, only some of which are de- Some tabular data include XY coordinates. For example, data might be col-
scribed in this section. ArcGIS 10can work with more different data formats than lected using a GPS device or a data vendor might sell the names and addresses
previous versions of ArcGIS. of supermarkets and include XY coordinates for mapping. converting lists of
addresses to points on a map usually involves a process called geocoding and
is explained later in this manual. You do not need to geocode if your table
Tabular data
Tabular data includes things like comma delimited or fixed width text files, already includes XY coordinates. From the File menu, go to “Add Data” and

Excel worksheets, Access files, and dbase files. This is where you store attribute “Add XY Data.” From the “Display

data, which includes any information you have about a location. For example, XY Data window,” choose the field

you might know the types of programs offered at a recreation center or the that contains the X (longitude)

total population of a zip code. In order to be mapped, tabular data generally and Y (latitude) coordinates. If you
needs to be linked to spatial/ know the projection used to collect
geographic data. Unlike or create the data, click on the
some earlier versions (8 and Edit button and set the projection
earlier), ArcGIS 10 can work (projections will be described later
with Excel files. w hen you add so don’t worry if this doesn’t make
an Excell file to ArcMap, you sense at this point).
must specify which work-
sheet you wish to add, so try
to remember to name your
worksheets in Excel (no spaces
in the name). when you add
data, double-click on the
name of the .xls file to see
the names of the worsheets.
Highlight a worksheet and
click “add.”
 .dbf - the dBASE file that stores the attribute information of features.
Geographic data
The tabular data you use in ArcGIS can be used in other programs like Excel, when ashapefile is added as a theme to a view, this file is displayed as a

SPSS,SAS, and STATA, but the geographic data you use can only be used in GIS feature table.

programs. Geographic data store information about location so that they can .sbn and .sbx - the files that store the spatial index of the features.

be represented as map layers. Geographic data can be categorized as vector or These two files may not exist until you perform theme on theme selec

raster. This manual deals primarily with vector data. tion, spatial join, or create an index on a theme’s shape field.
.pjr – the file that stores information about the projection. This will only
exist for shapefiles with defined projections.
Shapefiles
Shapefiles are the most common format for vector data in ArcGIS. v ector data
The shapefile stores information about the shape of the map features, describ-
use points, lines, and polygons to represent map features. vector GIS is excel-
ing them in the “shape” field of the attribute table as point, line, or polygon. It
lent for representing discrete objects, such as parcels, streets, and administrative
also stores information about the real world location of each vertex that makes
boundaries. vector GISis not as good for representing things that vary continu-
up the map features. Using this information, Arcview can calculate area and
ously over space, such as temperature and elevation.
perimeter for polygon features.

Esri created the shapefile format in order to represent vector GIS data in a
Topology
simpler format than their coverage format used in ArcInfo. As with other formats
On of the biggest complaints about the shapefile format is that it does not
of geographic data, shapefiles link information about the location and shape
contain information about topology. Topologic formats (like coverages used in
of the map features to their attributes. Other GIS programs will allow you to
ArcInfo) contain detailed information about the relationships among features
use shapefiles, but geographic files from other GIS programs must be converted
in the same map layer. This allows for a variety of operations to ensure the
to shapefiles before ArcGIS can read them. Shapefiles are made up of three or
integrity of lines and polygons and to carefully edit and create new geographic
more files that need to be stored in the same directory in order for ArcGIS to
features. In creating the shapefile format, ESRI intentionally created something
recognize them as shapefiles. when you look at your shapefiles through ArcMap
that is simpler than existing topologic formats for desktop (rather than profes-
or Arccatalog, you will only seeone file, but if you look at them directly on your
sional) GIS users.
hard drive or thumb drive, you will seemultiple files with the following exten-
sions: Images
ArcGIS allows you to import and export many different types of images. The
.shp - the file that stores the feature geometry (point, line, or polygon)
images you import may be scanned paper maps, aerial photos, or other pictures
.shx - the file that stores the index of the feature geometry
or photos that you “hot link” to your map features. ArcMap can import a wide
range of file types. You can also export finished maps in ArcMap in a number tion), sothe data can be mapped. The user defines the cell size, allowing for very
of formats: EMP, BMP, EPS, TIFF, PDF, JPEG, cGM, JPEG, PcX, and PNG. fine or course raster surfaces. Even when the cell size is very small, you can see
Images are like tables in that they may contain information about a particular the individual square cells when you zoom in.
location, but they do not store location information so they cannot be mapped.
You can view raster layers in
when you add a large image to ArcMap, you will often be prompted to decide
ArcMap without any ad-
whether you wish to “build pyramids.” Generally you want to say “yes” because
ditional extensions, but you
this will make it easier to work with the image in ArcMap.
need the Spatial Analyst
You will also receive a
extension to analyze or
message that ArcMap
create new raster layers.
is unable to draw the
w hen raster layers have the
image as a map layer
same size cells, their values
because it is missing
can be added, subtracted,
information about
multiplied, divided and
location. So why would
you add an image queried using map algebra (a system developed by Dana Tomlin). You can add
to ArcMap in the first raster data to ArcMap just as you do vector data, using the “add data.” Be sure
place? Because images to highlight the layer you want, then click “add” (if you double click, you will
like aerial photographs seethe individual bands that make up your raster lay). ArcMap saves raster
and scanned historical layers in its GRID format. Arccatalog recognizes GRIDs and other image formats
maps can be trans- (including BMP, JPEG, TIFF) as raster layers.
formed into map layers
through a process called
Geodatabases
ESRIhas moved toward a new geographic data model called a geodatabase
georectifying.
that used Microsoft Access files to store multiple tables, shapefiles, and raster
images. Geodatabases are more complicated than shapefiles and a license for
Raster map layers
Raster data use grids made up of regular cells, or pixels, to represent spatially ArcEditor (not just Arcv iew) is required to edit geodatabases. Shapefiles are

continuous data. They look like regular images, but each pixel is assigned real generally sufficient for individual projects, but geodatabases are more appropri-

world coordinates and an attribute value (such as precipitation level or eleva- ate for work environments where multiple people are accessing information or
when advanced editing is required.
Creating new g eographic f iles
side of your screen, next to the catalog window if you have that open. To save
Editing shapefiles
edits, from the Editor menu on the Editor toolbar, choose “Stop Editing” and
Editing shapefiles is tricky—and a bit dangerous—territory. If possible, use the
geoprocessing tools such as clip, union, intersect, and dissolve to make changes to say “yes” to saving edits. Notice that
your shapefiles rather than using the editing tools described below. The directions you do not have a “save as” option.
provided here are very minimal. If you need to do much editing of shapefiles, You may want to make a backup
you should seek out additional resources (such as the Esri virtual campus course of your original data before editing.
on digitizing). click on the name of your shapefile in
the top section sothat options appear
under “construction Tools.” You can
Deleting and Modifying Features use any of these to add features to
In order to make changes to a shapefile, you must start an edit session. From
your shapefile. You can “snap” a new
the Editor toolbar, choose “start editing.” If you have multiple shapefiles in your
feature to an existing feature to avoid
map document
small “sliver” polygons between two
that are from
map features. The snapping options
different sub-
are available in the Edit menu.
directories on
You can also edit existing features by clicking on the edit tool (looks like the
your computer,
head of a black arrow) and double-clicking on a feature. Notice that green
you will need
squares appear at ever vertex of your feature. You can add or delete features
to specify which
using the “Edit vertices” toolbar
directory will be
that appeared when you double-
part of the edit
clicked on the map feature. You
session (you can
can also split a polygon in half. To
only edit the files
do this, highlight the feature you
in a single folder
wish to split (this involves a single
at one time).
click, not a double-click; you want
to see the blue highlight but not
A new window
all the vertices). click on the “cut Polygons Tool.” Draw a line across the polygon
will appear on
and double click to complete the spit.
the far right
Dig itizing Next, open ArcMap and add your new shapefile, along with other map layers
that may help you draw your new features. Start an edit session: from the Editor
menu in the Editor toolbar, choose
Most of the time you will use shapefiles that someone else created. Using existing “Start Edit Session,” and indicate
shapefiles saves time and generally results in more accurate map layers. But which directory contains the
if you need a line or polygon file that doesn’t exist—such as a boundary for shapefile (shell) you just created.
your study area—you will need to create it yourself. Digitizing is the process click on your new shapefile name
of drawing or tracing map features to create a new geographic file. Before in the “create Features” window
on-screen digitizing was available, this process involved tracing a paper map that should appear on the far
on a digitizing tablet and then assigning real world coordinates to certain parts right, next to the catalog window,
(like georectifying). But Arcview has on-screen digitizing tools that allow you to to bring up the construction tools.
create new shapefiles without additional hardware or software. create one or more features
(remember, the snap options in
Creating New Shapefiles
the Editor menu will allow you
You’ll need to create a new empty shapefile to get started. You can make
to make much neater shapefiles)
a copy of an existing shape-
and then go to “Stop Editing” and
file, delete all of its features
say “Yes” to saving changes. Open
(start editing, highlight all the
the attribute table for your new
features, and click the “Delete”
shapefile. Notice that there are FID and Shape fields but nothing else. You can
key on your keyboard) and then
add attributes
create new features. Alterna-
manually,
tively, you can create a brand
by creating
new shapefile. To create a new
new fields
shapefile, right click in a folder
and filling in
within the catalog window and
the values or
go to “New” and “Shapefile.”
by joining an
Decide what kind of shapefile
existing at-
you need (point, line, polygon),
tribute table
give it a name, and set the pro-
to the new
jection if you know what you’ll
shapefile.
be using.
Merging Features Geoprocessing
In order to dissolve the boundaries between two or more polygon features,
you must start an edit session. Using the edit tool and the shift key, click on the There are a number of different functions you can perform on map layers, either
features you wish to merge (they should become highlighted). You can also based on location or attribute value, that result in new map layers. In ArcGIS 10,
select map features based on their attributes by opening the attribute table and these are once again called “geoprocessing” functions. You must define the pro-
selecting the corresponding records. From the Editor menu on the Editor toolbar, jection for map layers before using any of these functions. If you have selected
select “Merge.” By merging the two features, you are also merging the attri- a subset of features within a map layer, the functions will only be performed on
butes. ArcGIS will ask you to choose the feature with with other features should the selected features.
be merged; the attributes from this feature will be maintained. To save edits,
from the Editor menu on the Editor toolbar, choose “Stop Editing” and say “yes”
Dissolve
to saving edits. The dissolve operation allows you to collapse
the boundaries between polygons if they share
the same value on a particular attribute. For
example, you could create a neighborhood
map layer by assigning each census tract to a
neighborhood and then dissolving the bound-
aries. From the Geoprocessing menu, go to
“Dissolve” to bring up the Dissolve wizard. On
the first screen, identify the map layer whose
features you wish to dissolve under “input
features.” If the layer is already added to
ArcMap, you can use the dropdown menu. Otherwise you will need to click on
the folder icon to locate the may layer. ArcMap will give the new shapefile that
will be created a default name (adding “_Dissolve” to the input layer name). If
Updating Area, Length, and Perimeter you want to rename this or change the location, click on the folder to the right
Keep in mind also that editing shapefiles can change attribute values that you of “input feature class.” Next, choose the “Dissolve Field”--the column from
may need to update. Follow the directions in the section of this guide entitled that layer’s attribute table that contains the information you wish to use for the
“calculating Area.” dissolve. This must be an attribute for which multiple map features (polygons)
have the exact same value (numbers or text). ArcGIS will create a new shape- them all at once). A new layer will be created containing all of the features of all
file that combines all of the map features (census tracts) into a single polygon of the shapefiles. Specify the location and name for this new shapefile and click
(neighborhood). You can aggregate data for the original geographic units to the “OK.” After a few seconds, you will see“Merge... Merge...Merge” appear at the
new (dissolved) geographic units using the optional “Statistics Field.” bottom right of your screen. when ArcGIS has completed this process, the new
shapefile will appear at the top of the top of the Table of contents.

Merge
Appending allows you to incorporate two or more non-overlapping layers
into a single map layer without changing their map features. You can append
point, line, and polygon layers. Appending can save you time when it comes to
symbolizing features and lead to more consistent symbology. For example, you
can merge census tract files from several counties so that when you display the
percent of homeowners, you don’t have to repeat the process of classifying your
data for each county.

From ArcToolbox, you can find “Append” under “Data Management Tools” and
“General.” Under “input features,” list all the map layers you wish to merge. You
can use the dropdown menu if you have added the map layers to ArcMap, but
you will need to add them one at a time (if you add them directly from your
computer, not from ArcMap, you can highlight multiple shapefiles and add
Clip Intersect
clipping allows you to turn one shapefile into a cookie-cutter in order to cut Intersect allows you to fuse two overlapping layers together to create a new
out part of a larger shapefile. For example, you might need to create a map shapefile that includes the attributes of both layers for the area in which the
layer of streets for the area within a single police district but your street cen- layers overlap. In effect, this combines the union (described below) and clip
terline file covers the entire city. Using a street file that is clipped by the police operations. You can intersect two polygon layers or a line and polygon layer.
district boundaries will allow you to work with a smaller and more manageable From the Geoprocessing menu, select “Intersect.” On the next screen, select the
file that looks neater. From the Geoprocessing menu, go to “clip.” On the next input features. The default name for the new shapefile will be the first input
screen, you need to identify an input feature (the layer to be clipped) and the feature name plus “_Intersect.” If you want to change this or the location of the
clip features (cookie cutter). The default name for the new shapefile will be the new file, click on the folder to the right. If you intersect a line and polygon layers,
input feature name plus “_clip.” If you want to change this or the location of the the resulting shapefile will contain “polylines” that act like lines. If you intersect
new file, click on the folder to the right. You can leave “cluster Tolerance’ at 0. polygon layers, the resulting shapefile will contain polygons. Length, perimeter,
changing it will allow slightly mismatched map layers to be considered “coinci- and area values will be inaccurate after you perform an intersection, so if you
dent.” need these, be sure to recalculate them.

+ =

Union
Union is similar to intersection in that it fuses the boundaries of two layers
together, but rather than clipping the resulting shapefile to include only the area
covered by both, it creates a new shapefile that covers the combined extent of
the layers. From the Geoprocessing menu, choose “Union.” On the next screen,
select the input features. The default name for the new shapefile will be the first
input feature name plus “_Union.” If you want to change this or the location of
the new file, click on the folder to the right.
Buffers
Buffers allow you to visualize zones around map features. If you are interested
in seeing which schools fall within 500 feet of class 1(highways), you can create a
500 foot buffer around class 1streets. For analysis purposes, queries by location
may be more helpful because they will allow you to actually select the schools
within 500 feet of class 1roads. But you may want to create buffers, as well, so
that you can visualize this relationship.

The easiest way to create buffers is using the Buffer wizard. You’ll need to add
this to one of your toolbars (from the view menu, go to Toolbards, then cus-
tomize, then click on the “commands” tab, then click on the “Tools” category.
click on “Buffer wizard” and drag it to one of your toolbars. click on the new
tool to launch the wizard. Select the map layer you wish to buffer using the first
dropdown menu. You On the final screen of the Buffer wizard, choose whether you want to dissolve

can choose to buffer all the boundaries between buffers--since in many cases, your buffers will overlap.

features or just the cur- In the next section, you will choose “only outside polygon(s)” in most cases.Your

rently selected features final choice is whether to make your buffers graphics, which are temporary, or as

in a map layer. click a new shapefile, which is permanent. If you are just playing around to figure out

“Next.” Determine the what size your buffer should be, use graphics. If you plan to use the buffers for

distance for your buffer any analysis, be sure to save it as a shapefile. If you choose to make a shapefile,

(adjust the distance click on the folder icon, indicate where the shapefile should be stored, and give it

units at the bottom). If a name. Then click “Finish.”

you want to have more

than one buffer, choose
“As multiple buffer
rings.” click “Next.”
Simplifying a feature (Generalize)
Smoothing a feature (Smooth)
Spatial Analyst Tools
Spatial analyst Tools helps to work with raster data. It has a number of functionalities.

1. Extract by mask function /Clip Raster data/

1. Click the plus sign in front of the Spatial Analyst Tools

1
2. Click the plus sign in front of Extraction
3. Double click on extract by mask function
4. Select raster input map
2
4 5. Select raster or feature mask data
6. Change the name of the folder and
3 5 file name of your output data
7. Click ok

7 6
ArcGIS Manual for Tana Beles Project Woreda Prepared by W

2. Surface Analysis

Surface analysis helps to analyze /to extract/ data from DEM /Digital Elevation
Model. Using surface analysis you can create contour, slope, hillshed, aspect etc.
for this training we will focus on the contour and slope calculation.

1. Creating Contour
1 1. Click the plus sign in front of the Spatial Analyst Tools
2. Click the plus sign in front of Surface
3. Double click on extract by Contour function
4. Select raster input file
4 5. Change the name of the folder
5 and file name of your output data
6. Determine the contour interval
2 6 7. Click ok

3
7

2. Creating Slope
1 1. Click the plus sign in front of the Spatial Analyst Tools
2. Click the plus sign in front of Surface
3. Double click on extract by Slope function
4 4. Select raster input file
5. Select PERCENT_RISE option
5 6. Change the name of the folder and
2 file name of your output data
6 7. Click ok
7
3
Mosaic two or more topomaps
Mosaic is the process of joining two or more raster images together. It is very
important for watershed delineation from topographic maps using contours and
drainage networks because our watershed could be found in more than one
topographic maps. In this case, we should mosaic the topographic maps. In this
training, we will see how to mosaic two or more topographic maps for watershed
delineation purposes.
Please follow the following steps in order to mosaic two or more topomaps
together;

• Prepare a topomap cutter (i.e create a polygon shape file in ArcCatalog),

• Open ArcMap,
• Add both the created topomap cutter and two adjacent topomaps,
• Draw a topomap cutter based on one topo map (to draw follow the border of
the topomap)

• Extract new topmap based on the prepared cutter

1 5
• Mosaic the two topomaps using
mosaicing tools in ArcMap;

1. Open ArcToolbox,
2.Click on Data Management tool,
3.Click on raster, 2
4.Click on Mosaic to New Raster,
5. Add the two topomaps that you 3
prepare for mosaicing, in Input
Raster dialog box 6
6.Provide the required folder name
7. Write 3 on the number of bunds 7
dialog box
8.Click on OK.

4 8

9
Querying & measuring
records. You can calculate values on an existing or new field for only the selected
Querying by attribute
records. You can also look at summary statistics for only the selected records
with GIS, you can identify a subset of map features based on their attributes or by right clicking on a column name and going to “Statistics.” By looking at the
their location. You may use queries as an intermediary step, as part of getting to statistics for the length field on the selected southbound one-way streets, we can
know your data, to create new values, or to answer your research questions. see that there are 3,462,432 feet (655.7 miles) of southbound one-way streets in
Philadelphia.

Select by Attribute
To start a query, from the Selection menu go to “Select by Attributes.” Your first To see all of the selected records, from the Selection menu, go to “Zoom to

choice is what layer in your map you wish to query (attribute queries are limited Selected Records.” You can create a new shapefile that only includes your

to a single layer). In the Method drop down menu, you need to decide whether selected map features by

you are building on a previous query or starting fresh. right clicking on its name
in the Table of contents,
going to “Data” and “Export
Data.” choose the radio
button regarding coordinate
systems (you’ll probably
want the default). Make
sure you have “Selected
From here, the query dialog is similar to the Field calculator. Build an expression
Records” chosen in the
using the field names and functions, connecting statements with “AND” or “OR”
Export drop down menu. To
as necessary. If you want help working through these steps, click on the Query
un-select all records, from
wizard button. click “verify” to make sure ArcMap likes your expression. You
the Selection menu choose
can import (Load) and save expressions (using the buttons OR using ctrl +c and
“clear Selected Features.”
ctrl +v with a word processing file). Note that if the values you input are text,
You can perform an ad-
rather than numbers, you need to put single quotes around them (for example,
ditional query (adding,
‘BROAD’). when you click “Apply,” the map features that satisfy your query will
removing, or selecting from
be highlighted with a bright blue outline.
this selected group) or close
To review the selected records, right click on the map layer and go to “Open At-
the query dialog.
tribute Table.” click on the Select button at the bottom to view only the selected
Querying by LOCATION
The ability to query based on the location of map features is something unique
to GIS, and combining attribute and location queries really takes advantage of
GIS functionality.

Select by Location
To select features in a map
layer based on their location,
from the Selection menu go
to “Select by Location.” Your
first choice is the selection
method. Are you starting
from scratch or querying
a subset of map features
already selected? In the next
box, put a check mark next
to the map layer(s) whose Combining Attribute and Location Queries
features you wish to select. The “Select by Attribute” and “Select by Location” dialogs do not allow you to
The drop down menu then mix the type of query. But by performing one type of query first and then con-
provides various relationships ducting a subsequent query on the selected records, you can perform attribute
between the features in that and location queries on the same map layer. For example, you may be interest-
layer and the “source” layer, ed in which schools are located within 500 feet of class 1(highways) streets. Using
identified in the next drop the “Select by Attribute” dialog, identify all the code 1streets first, then select the
down menu. schools “within a distance” of 500 feet of the selected streets. Under “Selection
For distance-based queries, you will be able to select your units as long as the Method,” be sure to choose “select from the currently selected features in” when
map units have been specified in the Data Frame properties. This query shows you perform the second (location) query; otherwise you will loose the results form
which charter schools are within ¼ mile (1320 feet) of public schools. your attribute query. There is no limit to how many queries you can combine.
Using Query Results Measuring distances
The turquoise highlight feature is meant to help you visualize relationships, but it
is not meant for final maps. Once you have identified a subset of records, create Using the Measure Tool
a new variable and symbolize it properly using the symbology tab. For example, The measure tool (on the Tools tooldbar; it looks like a ruler) allows you to draw
if you want to create a map showing the schools that are located within 500 a line, or a series of connected lines, to roughly measure the Euclidean (as the
feet of highways, complete the query and then use the query results to create crow flies) distance between points.
a dummy variable indicating which schools meet the query definition. Do this
by opening the attribute table for the schools. create a new variable called
“class1500” (for 500 feet within class 1street) that is formatted as an integer.
Right click on the new column, then go to “Field calculator.” Set class1500 =1.
Only the highlighted records will be assigned this value. Assign the other records
=0 by going to “switch selection” from the “option” button on the bottom of the click on it and then click on your map at the starting point. Move your cursor to
table. your end point, or next point, repeating until you are done. Double click to finish.
The measure tool will use the map units particular to that map layers projection
or the display units you specified in the Data Frame Properties. You can change
this from the Data Frame Properties (right click on the name of the Data
Frame, go to Properties, and the General tab) or in the Measure pop-up box.
The black triangle pointing
down includes various
distance units to choose
from.

You can also calculate Area

using the tool shaped like
a polygon. Simply draw a
polygon and double click to
finish.
Measuring with Attribute Data Buffers
If you need more accurate measures of distance than you can get using the
measure tool, you can use the values in the perimeter (polygons) and length Buffers allow you to visualize zones around map features. If you are interested
(line) fields of the shapefile attribute tables. Select the features of interest, then in seeing which schools fall within 500 feet of class 1(highways), you can create a
right click on the perimeter or length
500 foot buffer around class 1streets. For analysis purposes, queries by location
field and go to “Summary.” The “sum”
may be more helpful because they will allow you to actually select the schools
field will indicate the total distance. For
within 500 feet of class 1roads. But you may want to create buffers, as well, so
example, if you need to know the total
that you can visualize this relationship.
length of Broad and Market Streets, go
to “Select by Attributes” and select all
The easiest way to create buffers isusing the Buffer wizard. You’ll need to add
line segments in the street centerline file
this to one of your toolbars (from the view menu, go to Toolbards, then cus-
called “BROAD” or “MARKET.” Then
tomize, then click on the “commands” tab, then click on the “Tools” category.
open the attribute table associated with
click on “Buffer wizard” and drag it to one of your toolbars. click on the new
the street centerline file, right click on
tool to launch the wizard. Select the map layer you wish to buffer using the first
the “length” column heading, and go to
dropdown menu. You
“Summary.” The “sum” should indicate
can choose to buffer all
how long Broad and Market Streets are.
features or just the cur-
rently selected features
in a map layer. click
“Next.” Determine the
distance for your buffer
(adjust the distance
units at the bottom). If
you want to have more
than one buffer, choose
“As multiple buffer
rings.” click “Next.”
Digitizing using the Merge Tool creating a Mask
The tools in ArcMap for dissolving boundaries between features provide another Masks are shapefiles
approach to digitizing. This may give you lesscontrol over the shape of new map that allow you to cover
features, but it provides an easier way of creating new shapefiles that line up up areas that you
with existing shapefiles. In order to create shapefiles using the dissolve tools, you don’t want to show
need to have a shapefile that can serve as building blocks for your new file. For without clipping them.
example, you may want to create a map of health districts. If the districts are clipping data only
based on census tracts, you can use a shapefile of census tracts to build your new works with shapefiles,
district file. A census block file may prove the most helpful since its boundaries not with grids/raster
correspond to streets. It is a good idea to make a copy of the shapefile you will data, so masks are
use so you don’t mess up the original. especially useful when
you are working with
raster data. To do this, add a shapefile of the area you want to be able to see—
for example, a neighborhood or city—and an empty polygon shapefile. Start
editing the new shapefile and create a rectangle around your other shapefile,
large enough to cover up any area you don’t want to see. Stop editing and save
changes. Use the “Union”
tool in the Geoprocessing
Using the “Select Features” tool, highlight the blocks that make up the new menu to fuse these two
area for which you are creating a shapefile. You can select multiple features by shapefiles together. Then
holding down the shift key. You can also draw a box around the area contain- start editing the resulting
ing the individual features (this is faster). To dissolve the boundaries between the fused shapefile. Highlight
blocks, from the Editor menu go to “Start Editing,” then choose “Merge.” Stop the inside of the new
editing and save edits to finish. If your new shapefile only needs to include this shapefile (the area you
single map feature, you can right click on the new feature you just created, go want to be able to see),
to “Data” and “Export Data.” Be sure that the Export drop down menu indi- open the attribute table
cates that only selected features will be included. Alternatively, you may need to and click the “delete”
repeat the process of dissolving boundaries to create all of the map features. key. Save your changes.
 nate system being used, particularly if you inherit data or download it from the
Working with projections Internet. If you are lucky, the map layer will include a .proj file which contains
information about the coordinate system, or the metadata will provide some
Projections are probably the trickiest part of working with spatial data. The
explanation. You can look at the information in the .prj file—the detailed spatial
stakes are high because if data are not projected properly, you might not even
reference information—by clicking on the “general” tab of the layer properties
get your map layers to draw together. Don’t be afraid to ask someone for help
from ArcMap. Alternatively, you
or to start over (download the original data again). Hopefully there issome
can click on the “fields” tab of the
consulation in knowing that most people have a hard time with this stuff.
layer properties from Arccatalog,
click inside the “shape” field and
Projections manage the distortion that is inevitable when a spherical (okay,
click on the “…” button to the right
ellipsoid) earth is viewed as a flat map. All projection systems distort geography
of “Spatial Reference.” You can
in some way—either by distorting area, shape, distance, direction, or scale. There
are dozens of different projection systems in use because different systems work
best in different parts of the world and, even within the same parts of the world,
GISusers have different priorities and needs. when you are looking at a relative-
ly small area, such as a single city, there is relatively little distortion because the
curve of the earth is slight. But knowing and setting projections properly is also
important for getting your may layers to draw together, distance units to make
sense,and some of Arcview’s tools to work. So in the end, it’s practical to take
care in projecting your data.

Recognizing the coordinate System

Map layers can be drawn according to a geographic coordinate system (unpro-
jected) or projected coordinate system. Geographic coordinate systems indicate
location using longitude and latitude based on a sphere (or spheroid) while
projected coordinate systems use X and Y based on a plane. As long as computer
screensand printed maps are flat, projected coordinate systems will be more
appropriate for working with GIS data. You may not always know the coordi-
working with “Unprojected” Layers Defining projections
In most cases,you will want to convert unprojected map layers—those with a Defining a projection registers the current coordinate system of your map layer.

geographic coordinate system—to projected map layers. Any of the files you It involves reporting to Arcview the nature of the data that you have, not

download from the UScensus website or Esri TIGER files site will be in this “un- changing that data. To “define” the coordinate system for your unprojected map
projected” format. There are two steps involved in this process. First, you must layer, click on the “Define Projection” wizard. First you will be asked to choose
create a .proj file by “defining” the map layer as unprojected; then you can a data layer. If you added the relevant map layer to ArcMap, you will be able
“project” the map layer using the projection of your choice. You can access the to find it in the dropdown menu. Otherwise you will need to click on the folder
tools for doing this by clicking on the ArcToolbox icon inside ArcMap. click on icon to locate your map layer. Then you can choose the coordinate system using
“data management tools” and then “projections and transformations.” the button. click the “select” button on the Spatial Reference Properties. In most
cases,you can choose “Geographic coordinate Systems,” “North America,” and
“NAD 1983 Datum,” then click “okay.” You should not notice a difference in how
the map layer is drawn as a result of defining the coordinate system. But as a
result of defining it, there is now a .proj file associated with your map layer and
you can look at the detailed spatial reference information. Before you define a
layer as unprojected, Arcview will refer to it as “assumed geographic.”
 new (projected) layer. You should notice a change in the coordinates that show
Projecting shapefiles
in the bottom right of the map.
Projecting a shapefile changes the projection system. You can only do this if you
have defined (registered) the existing projection. You can project map layers
that are unprojected (geographic coordinate system) or change the projection
on layers that already have a projected coordinate system. In order to project
the map layer, click on the “Project” wizard. If you are projecting a shapefile, use
the “Project” wizard listed under “Features.” If you are projecting a raster image,
use the “project” wizard listed under “raster.”

As with the “define” wizard, you will be asked to specify the map layer. Next,
because you will be changing
the original layer, you are asked
to name the new layer that
will be created. By default,
Arcview will add “_Project” to
the original name. You may
working with Projected Map Layers
wish to give your layer a differ-
Sometimes the map layers you acquire will already be projected but won’t carry
ent name. click on the button
a .proj file soyou won’t know the projection. The best thing to do in this situa-
to the right of “Output coordinate System” to choose your projection. click on
tion is to look at the original source for information about the projection system,
the “select” button on the Spatial Reference Properties, then choose “Projected
either on a website, in metadata that came with the file, or by calling the person
coordinate Systems.” Now you need to choose your projection. For relatively
who created the data. If these approaches all fail to reveal the projection, map
small areas like Philadelphia, the differences in projection systems (the distor-
the data in order to guess the projection. You may recognize the projection by
tion in shape, area, distance, direction, and scale) are minimal. You are best off
the units showing in the gray bar below the map. If they are not in longitude
choosing whatever projection system is most commonly used. In Philadelphia,
and latitude, they are probably projected. As you work with a particular projec-
that is State Plane 1983(feet) Pennsylvania South. For the Philadelphia MSA,
tion system, you will come to recognize the map units and range of coordinate
consider UTM zone 18N. After making your selection, click “okay.” Arcview will
values. For example, State Plane coordinates for Philadelphia are generally in
indicate that there is a “Datum conflict between map and output.” In order to
feet and look like 2691607.78, 246268.98. UTM coordinates will be in meters and
map your newly projected layer, create a new ArcMap document and add the
look like 486850.72, 4430095.19.
Modif y ing Attributes
Working with tables Other Attribute Tables
Often you will have attribute data in a table separate from your shapefile. For
Attribute Tables for Shapefiles example, you may have a census tract shapefile with no attribute information
Every shapefile has an attribute table associated with it. You can open the table and a table with all of the 2000 census tract data. ArcMap can read Excel (.xls),
by right clicking on the shapefile name and going to “open attribute table.” dBase (.dbf), comma-delimited (.txt or .csv) and tab-delimited (.tab) text tables
The table will have as many rows, or records, as it does map features. The total but will only allow editing for .dbf tables (you can convert .txt tables to .dbf in
number of records will be shown at the bottom of your table. There can be any EXcEL, SPSS,AccESS, or in ArcMap). You can add attribute tables to ArcMap
number of columns (fields). Two columns are standard: FID, the feature ID, and just as you do shapefiles, using the “add data” button, from the file menu, “Add
Shape, which can be point, polyline, or polygon. The rest of the fields will vary. In Data.” or from catalog window. You must have the Table of contents set for
most cases, there will also be a column that identifies each map feature with a “List by Sources” in order to see tables listed. Open these attribute tables the
unique name, such as a census tract number or neighborhood name. There may same way: right click on the name and go to “Open.”
be additional fields identifying attributes of the map feature (type of crime at a
particular address, number of people living in a census tract).

You can work with tables—sort values, freeze columns, generate summary statis-
tics, select records, and export tables—without worrying about messing up your
original data the way you can in Excel if you are not careful. You cannot change
any of the data in your table unless you go to “start editing” from the editor
toolbar… except to add or delete fields.
Sorting Records Selecting Records
You can sort values in an attribute table by right clicking on the field name and You can select a subset of your records to look at more closely in a number of
going to “sort ascending” or “sort descending.” different ways. You can highlight an individual record (row) by clicking in the
gray area at the far left side of the table. To highlight multiple records, hold the
control key down. At the bottom of the table, ArcMap will indicate how many
of the total records are highlighted. click on the “Selected” button to view only
the selected records. You can switch the selection, so that all of the highlighted
records become un-highlighted and all un-highlighted records become high-
lighted. From the options menu, choose “Switch Selection.” You can also select all
records or clear selection from the options menu.

Summary Statistics
You can bring up summary statistics for any numeric field (numeric fields will be
justified right) by right clicking on the field name and choosing “Statistics.” You
can obtain summary statistics on additional fields from the drop down menu.

Freezing columns
Freeze a column (meaning that it will remain in view even as you scroll) by right
clicking on the field name and going to “Freeze/Unfreeze column.”
Exporting Tables Calculating values In tables
You may need to export your table from ArcMap, because you have made
changes, need to convert a .txt table to .dbf, or for any other reason. with your You may find it easier to edit your attribute tables outside of Arcview, but
table open, go to the options menu and “Export.” If you have some records high- Arcview has fairly sophisticated tools for calculating values. In Arcview, you can
lighted, you can choose to export just the selected records or all of the records. edit values in an existing field or create a new field and calculate new values.
Keep in mind that you cannot change the format (text, integer, long integer) of
an existing column, so if you need to transform the format of a column, you will
need to create a new field.

creating a New Field

To create a new field, open your table in ArcMap (you can also add fields from
Arccatalog). This can be a free-standing table or one that is associated with a
map layer, but only .dbf tables can be edited. click on the Table Options menu
(top left corner of the attribute table) and go to “Add Field.” If this option is
grayed out, you do not have permission to edit the table. Most likely, this is
because your table is in .xls format. If this is the case, export the table (an option
within that same menu) and save it as a .dbf. Add the .dbf version back in and
Delete Field try again.
You can delete a field by right clicking on its name and going to “Delete Field.”
ArcMap will give you a warning that the deletion is permanent and not revers- From “Add Field,” give your field a name. Do not use ?,&,$,#,@,*,!,~ or spaces
ible. Do this with caution. changes will be permanent not just within your map and keep your field name to 10 or fewer characters. From the dropdown menu,
document, but in your original file on your hard drive, as well. choose the type of field. Different field types allow different types of values:

Short integer: numeric, no decimal place, up to 19 characters

Long integer: numeric, no decimal place, up to 19 characters
Float: numeric, with decimal places, (default 1before decimal and 11after)
Double: numeric, with decimal place (default 7 before decimal and 11after)
calculating v alues Outside an Edit Session calculating v alues on Selected Records
To calculate the value of your new field (or an old field), right click on its name You can get an error while calculating values for many different reasons.
and go to “calculate values.” ArcMap will ask you if you are sure that you want ArcMap will not allow you to divide by zero, soif the denominator (total
to calculate values outside an edit session, warning that you will not be able to population in example above) is zero for any of your records, ArcMap will not
undo your results. Say “yes.” calculate any of the values.

ArcMap will bring up the Field calculator. If your value is a constant, you can
simply type the value in the box at the bottom. More likely, your new value will
be based on values in other fields, so you will need to use the calculator. You
can create an expression by double clicking on the field names. For example, to
calculate the percent of the population 65 and up, click on the field name with
To get around this problem, you need to select only the records where the
the total 65 and up, click on the “/” button, and click on the field name with
denominator is something other than zero. Start by selecting the records with
the total population. If any of the records in your table are highlighted, ArcMap
a zero in the denominator (because there are fewer of these). Do this by right
will only perform calculations on the highlighted records. You can also calculate
clicking the field with your denominator and sorting ascending. Hold down the
values from ArcToolbox (under “Data Management Tools”, then “calculate
control key and highlight all the records with a zero. From the options menu,
Field”). choose “Switch Selection” sothat all of the records with non-zero values are
highlighted. Now you should be able to proceed with calculating values.

calculating v alues Inside an Edit Session

when you need to calculate a new variable, the best approach is to calculate
a value outside an edit session, just described. But when you need to change
the value on just one or two values, you may want to try editing inside an edit
session. Go the Edit toolbar and, from the edit menu, choose “start editing.” You
can only edit the contents of one directory at a time in an edit session, so you
need to identify the directory that contains the table you wish to edit.
Open your table and double-click on the value in your table you wish to edit.
when you are finished, go to “stop editing” in the edit toolbar and say “yes” to
saving edits.
 You can also calculate area using ArcToolbox. “calculate Area” can be found in
Calculating area, perimeter & length the Spatial Statistics Tools section, under “Utilities.” choose the polygon layer for
which you want to calculate area, then determine a name and location for the
calculating Area new shapefile you will create. The new layer will be added automatically to the
Usually there will be a field called “area” in a shapefile when you receive it that
table of contents when Arcview is done calculating the area. The units will be
indicates the area of each polygon map feature. If your shapefile is missing this
what is used by the projection system for that map layer.
field or if you have edited the shape and size of the map features, you will need
to calculate area, yourself. Area can be especially helpful when you are trying
to normalize values and create densities (calculating persons per square mile, for Creating xy coordinates
example).
Adding XY coordinates to a Point Layer
create a new field called “area” and format it as a double. Right click on your Just as you may need to convert a table with XY data into a map layer, you

new field and go to “calculate Geometry.” From the “Property” menu, choose may need to add XY coordinates to an existing layer containing points. The

“Area.” Note the projection and map units. You can change the units as long as easiest way to do this is by using “Add XY coordinates” in ArcToolbox (under

the projection is defined (known). “Data Management Tools” go to “Features” to fine “Add XY coordinates”).
Simply choose the point layer you want to assign XY coordinates and click “OK.”
The coordinates will be in whatever units are defined by your projection (often
feet or meters). You can also do this using the “calculate geometry” option.
Making MAPS
Symbolizing POINTS
The real strength of a GISis in allowing you to use different symbols to represent
different values, linking your attribute data to your spatial data. ArcMap offers
a wide range of colors and symbols for representing your point data. Keep in
mind that just because there are near infinite combinations that the simplest
symbols (such as block dots) may be the most effective.

Single Symbol
The default in ArcMap is to represent all points with the same size, shape, and
color symbol. This is how ArcMap will display your point shapefiles when they are
first added to a map document or when you create them through geocoding or
adding XY data. Open the layer properties (double click on the shapefile name
or right click and go to “Properties,”) and click on the “Symbology” tab. In the
box on the left side, “single symbol” will be highlighted. You can change the size,
shape, or color of the symbol by clicking on it, but as long as “Single symbol” is
selected, all of your points will appear the same.

changing the symbol look like the real thing (such as a dead body for a homicide) These are, after all,
Arcview has numerous palettes of symbols used in various industries, such as
symbols and you will be able to describe the symbol in the legend.
conservation and policing. These specialized symbols are effective when used
carefully with an audience that will recognize them as industry standards. The
symbols included in the default palette may not be ideal for your map. For
example, the symbol for a school bears little resemblance to a large urban
school. To view additional pallete, click on the “style references” button. The
“civic” palette contains a number of choices for schools. In most cases,however,
you are better off sticking with the default symbols. You don’t need the symbol
of a needle to represent drug crimes. Resist the temptation to make your dots
Changing Map Symbols For lines, you can choose from a variety of patterns, thicknesses, and colors. There
ArcMap has many options for changing the way your data are displayed. Some are industry standards for things like highways, expressways, and railroads.
of the simplest options involve the choice of color, fill pattern, and shape (for
point data). To make changes, click on the map symbol in the table of contents.
The symbol selector window that opens will look different depending upon
the type of layer: point, line, or polygon. For points, you can choose a differ-
ent marker from the default (which is a circle with a black outline). when you
choose a new marker, the default size jumps from 4 point (quite small) to 18
point (quite large). You can find many more symbols by clicking on “Style Refer-
ences...” button (for example, there is a transportation, crime analysis and civic
symbol pallette). You can change the color, size, and angle using the options
on the right of the window. The “reset” button will undo any changes you have
made to the symbol since opening the symbol selector window.

For polygons, you have choices about the fill pattern, fill color, and outline color.
The properties button will give you additional options (and often too many
options) but may be helpful in fine-tuning the crosshatch and ordered stipple
patterns.

You can also symbolize your layers based on different values for each map
feature. For example, you might use different size points to represent different
cities around the world according to their population or use differ color markers
to represent different types of hospitals. These are considered “thematic” maps
and they will be discussed in the sections on displaying points, lines, and polygons.
categories
categorical variables classify data into unique categories so that each obser-
vation (event, person, building, etc.) fits in only one category. For example, a
hospital might be managed by a non-profit, church, federal government, state
government, or for-profit entitity. The unique values option listed under “cate-
gories” in the symbology tab allows you to use a different symbol for each of the
points in a shapefile based on a categorical variable. This can work well for small
files (10 or fewer points) but can quickly be overwhelming for larger files. choose
the field with the values you wish to use to represent your points, then click the
“Add All values” button in order to bring up all the categories. If you want to
show only a few categories (for example, bus stops for a subset of routes), click
the “Add values” button, highlight the values you want, and clik “OK.”

ArcMap will list a symbol for “<all other values>” that you can remove by taking
away the check mark. You can change the individual symbols by clicking on
them. You can make changes to all of the symbols, or selected symbols (hold
down the shift key to select two or more) by right clicking. To remove a value,
right click on it and choose “Remove value(s).” Usethe black arrows on the far
right to move values up and down (the order here will be the order your values
appear in the legend on your map).

choose colors that communicate that these are separate categories. Don’t use a
graduated color ramp with light to dark shades of the same color. This implies
that one category ismore or lessthan another when, in reality, they are just
different. In addition to different colors, you can use different sizesand symbols...
but don’t go too crazy.
 Method dropdown menu to choose a different classification system. There is no
Quantities
categorical variables correspond to categories and are generally represented one “right” classification system. Your choice should be based on the distribution

using text variables (or numbers used as codes for individual categories). Quanti- of your values and the goals of your map. In the end, you want to make sure

ties, such as the population of a city or air emissions, are continuous and must that you have a map that shows variability, soyou don’t want a classification

be presented with numbers. Graduated symbols and proportional symbols are system that groups everything together.

the best choices to show different quantitative values for points. Graduated • Natural Breaks (Jenks): This isthe default in ArcGIS. It usesa formal
symbols allow you to have different size symbols to represent different attribute (Jenks Optimization) to minimize the variance within classesand maximize
values. with the symbology tab active, click on “Quantities” and then “Gradu- the variance between classes. It usually works well, but be sure to round off
ated symbols.” From the “values:” dropdown menu, select the field with the the values manually.
values you wish to use. Use the “classes” dropdown menu to change the number • Equal Interval: This sounds like a good idea because it breaks your
data into classesof equal size. The problem is, most data are not distributed
of categories. There are many ways to break up value ranges into categories.
evenly so this usually makes maps with lots of observations (map features)
To change the classification system, click on the “classify” button and use the
in only one or two classes.
• Quantile: This divides the observations (map features) into even groups of
4 (quartile) or 5 (quintile). By definition, it does a good job of showing vari-
ability.
• Standard Deviation: This shows how far values are from the mean. It
works well when you want to show how extreme high and low values are,
but you’ll probably want to modify the legend to show actual values and
not standard deviations which don’t make sense to most audiences.

You can also adjust the cutoff points by moving the blue vertical lines in the his-
togram below that show the frequency of values. Alternatively, you can change
values manually on the previous screen by clicking on them (you will only be
able to change the ending value).
Proportional symbols are similar to graduated symbols, but the size of the
symbol reflects the relative size of the quantity. For example, a hospital that has
100 beds would be represented with a symbol that is twice as large as a hospital
with 50 beds. Proportional symbols are preferable except in situations where the
symbols become too large and obscure other points.
 choropleth maps are generally better at representing rates (such as percent
Symbolizing polygons (Area DATA) registered voters) rather than counts (such as total voters). You can transform
The options for symbolizing polygons (such as census tracts) are basically the count data into rate data using the “Normalization” dropdown menu in the
same as the options for symbolizing points, but the attribute data that you have “graduate color” option. In order to use this appropriately, you will need to
for polygons will often be different so you will utilize the same options in differ- select the variable from your attribute table that serves as an appropriate
ent ways. denominator. For example, in order to show the percent of households receiv-
ing public assistance, normalize the total number of households receiving public
assistance by the total number of households. Do not use the “<PERcENT OF
Graduated color
TOTAL>” option to create a rate (this will use a denominator based on the total
You can use different colors—or different shades of the same color—to repre-
number of map features, not a true denominator for your variable).
sent different continuous variables (such as household income or median age)
to create choropleth maps. From “Layer Properties,” click on the symbology Graduated color works best when you use the same shade of a single color, with
tab. On the left side of the screen, click on “Quantities” and “Graduated color.” lighter shades representing lower values and darker shades representing higher
choose the field with the values you wish to use. Use the “classes” dropdown values, or intuitive color schemes such as yellow to orange to red or yellow to
menu and the options in “classify” to change the number of categories or green to blue. But keep in mind that it may be impossible to distinguish between
method for breaking values into categories. more than four or five shades of the same color, depending upon the quality of
your printer.

color ramps like these show an

intuitive ramp from low (light) to
high (dark). Use these to represent
continuous values.

Diverging color ramps like these

work well when you need to show
above and below a mean (std).

color ramps like these don’t have

an intuitive high or low.
You can fine tune your colors by going to “more colors” when choosing a color
customizing a color ramp
from the symbol selector. Here you can play with the hue(H), saturation(S), and You can create your own color ramp if you are not happy with any of the
value(v). default choices. To do so, go to the “customize” menu and choose “Style
Manager.” Expand the folder on the top left and click on the “color Ramps”
folder Right click in the empty space on the right, choose “new,” and select Algo-
rithmic color Ramp. Select a color for color 1(the beginning of the color ramp),
then a second color for color 2. Give your new color ramp a name and close the
Type the name of the new color in the contents window. Your new color ramps
should appear at the top of the dropdown list of color ramps in the Symbology
tab.

3
 Fill Patterns
The new color ramp I created You can use different patterns in addition to, or instead of, using different colors
(above) will show at the top to represent different values. Patterns are particularly helpful when you are
of my list of color ramps in restricted to printing maps in black and white. choose “Graduated colors” from
the “Symbology” tab (below). the Symbology tab and select the field with the values you want to display. Set
the number of classesand the method of classification, sothat you are happy
You can find a more detailed with the value ranges. Then click on the symbols and change the fill using the
explanation of algorithmic, symbol selector. click on the Properties button to fine-tune the fill pattern. This
random, multi-part, and may involve changing the background from white to “No color” so you can
preset color ramps that can draw a layer symbolized with a fill pattern on top of a layer with solid colors in
be created in ArcGIS in the order to see the relationship between two different attributes.
help section.
Dot Density
Dot density maps use randomly placed dots within polygons to represent dif-
ferent values for aggregate data. They provide an alternative to choropleth
maps for count data. If you use this option, be sure to remember—and carefully
communicate on your map—that the points do not represent precise locations,
as they do in a point layer. Failing to do somay generate confusion and concern
about data confidentiality. One major limitation of this type of map is that the
dots may be distributed acrossparts of the polygon that don’t make sense.For
example, if you use dot density to show the number of foreign-born in a map
of counties, the dots might appear in non-residential areas. You can avoid this
problem by selecting a “mask” (such as parks and industrial areas) where dots
should not be placed.

To create a dot density map, open the Layer Properties and make the Symbol-
ogy tab active. click on “Quantities” and “dot density.” From “Field Selection,”
choose the field you wish to use as the basis for the map. counts (such as the
total number of households on public assistance) are appropriate for dot density
maps, but averages, medians, and rates are not. choose your dot size, or keep
the default (which is advisable, at least to start). The “Min,” “Mean,” and “Max”
boxes will give you a preview of how your map will look. The “Dot value”
indicates how many units each dot represents. change this as needed to create
dot densities that have enough dots to show variation but not somany that they
are all on top of each other. You can change the color of the dot by clicking on it
under “Symbol” in the top right part of the screen. checking “maintain density”
will ensure that the dot density looks the same as you zoom in and out (by
making the dots bigger and smaller).
Pie charts
charts are good for showing multiple values and the relationship between
values on different variables. Pie charts are especially good for showing propor-
tions. For example, individual pie pieces can be used to show the breakdown in
race for the population in a census tract. For the pies to work, you must be able
to put every person into a racial group, or you must use an “other” category.
Pies contain a lot of information, soit can be difficult to display them clearly. To
create pie charts, click on “charts” and “Pie” from the Symbology tab. Holding
down the shift key, select the fields that you want to include. Make sure that
together, they add up to 100 percent (you may need to create and calculate
a new “other” field in your attribute table before using charts). click on the
“Background” button to change the color or fill (“Hollow” or white backgrounds
might be best, so that you don’t have too many colors in your map). If you check
“Prevent chart Overlap,” Arcview will use “leader lines” to indicate where the
pie charts belong if there is no room to display them within the map feature.
click on the Properties button to make adjustments to the look of the pie (3D,
rotation, height).

click on the Size button if you want to have different size pie charts depend-
ing upon the total (such as total population). If you choose to “vary size using
a field,” you may need to exclude records with a zero value. To do this, click on
the Exclusion button and, using the appropriate field name, create an expression
such as “[TotalPop] =0.” You may need to play with the minimum size on the
previous screen to make the maximum size pie chart a reasonable size.
Bar/column charts LABeLINg feATUReS
Bar charts can be used to compare values on two or more variables that do not
represent proportions (they don’t have to be subsets that add to 100 percent). Labeling features can be frustrating and tedious, but labeling features well is
For example, the map on the right compares the total population by block important to making your maps readable and communicating their meaning,
group to the total number of households. To switch from column (vertical) to bar so it’s worth the effort to learn.
(horizontal) charts, go to Properties on the Symbology tab of Layer Properties
and switch the radio button under “Orientation.”
Using Text Boxes to Label Features
You can place text on a map in order to label map features. The text tools
Stacked charts
Stacked charts can be used to compare values on two or more variables (such as require that you type the feature name yourself while the label tools take ad-

race) that are subsets of a larger variable (such as total population) when you vantage of feature names stored in the attribute table. The text tool can work

don’t know, or don’t want to display, all of the subsets. You have many of the well if you only have a few map features to label.

same options for formatting (size, color) that you have with the other types of
click on the large letter “A” on the drawing
charts.
toolbar. This will bring up seven different
text and label options. click on the “A.” click
on your map where you want your text to
appear and type your label in the text box.
Hit the enter key, or click your cursor outside
the text box to complete. You can move
the text around using the “Select Elements”
tool. Double clicking on the text will bring up
the Properties, where you can change the
size and font (using the “change Symbol”
button).

The callout text tool works similarly, except that it allows you to place your
text away from the map feature while still indicating what is being labeled. click
on the tool and then click on your map feature. Before letting go, you can move
 From the “text properties” dialogue box, choose “change symbol,” then
“properties,” then the “advanced text” tab, then the “properties” button below
“text background”. From here, you can choose between two different style
callouts. click on the “symbol” button to change the background color.

A third option is the spline text tool. This allows you to write text along a
curved line. This works well for labeling rivers and curvy roads. click on the spline
tool, then click on the starting point for your label. continue to click along the
curve (you don’t need to make many clicks) and double click to finish. Then
type your label in the text box. You will probably need to try this several times
to get a label with which you are happy (just click on the label with the “Select
the cursor to where you would like the label to be. Type your label. Using the Elements” tool and hit the “delete” key to delete a label).
“Select Items” tool, you can move the text box sothat it is closer or further from
the map feature. The yellow background with black text may not be what you
want (actually, it probably won’t be what you want).
 works). Using the “Placement Properties” button, you can instruct Arcview what
Manually Placing Labels
Using the label tools in ArcMap, rather than the text tools, allows you to use the to do about duplicate labels. The “Scale Range” allows you to instruct Arcview

values in a layer’s attribute table for your labels (in other words, you don’t have when to draw or not draw labels, depending on the extent. In order to do this,

to type the label out as you do with the text tools). By manually placing labels, you need to know the exact scales you’ll be using (so you probably just want to

you also avoid having your labels act as a group (which happens with auto leave this alone). The “Label Styles” button gives you accessto some fancier label

labeling), so it’s easier to move or edit a single label. options. The highway labels are particularly helpful. Now you can use the label
tool to manually label your map features.
Before you can use the label tools in ArcMap, you need to indicate which field close the “Layer Properties” dialog box.
in the attribute table of your map layer you want to use as the basis for labels. click on the button marked “A” on the
From Layer Properties, click on the “Labels” tab. Leave the “label features in drawing toolbar and choose the “Label”
this layer” box empty (clicking this creates auto labels). choose the appropriate tool. The “Labeling Options” window
field from the Label Field dropdown menu. click on symbol to change the size, will open. Decide if you want Arcv iew
style, or font for your labels. (Guessing what size to make your labels is diffi- to decide the best label position or if you
cult and you will probably need to make small adjustments after seeing what want to determine that yourself. The
“choose a style” radio button gives you
access to those fancier labels again. You
can move these labels (using the “Select
Elements” tool which is the black arrow)
and change their size and style (double
click to bring up Properties). You can
delete a label by clicking on it and pressing
the “Delete key” on the keyboard. To
delete all labels, from the Edit menu
choose “Select all elements” and click the
“Delete” key.
Auto Labeling Using a Halo with Labels
You may find it easier to automatically label all of your features. This saves time Sometimes labels are difficult to see on top of a map that includes many differ-
if you are happy with the way the labels look, but it offers you much less control ent shades and colors. By creating a halo around the label, it will stand out. To
over the label placement. when you automatically label features, the labels create a halo, double-click on the label text to bring up the “Properties” dialog
are “dynamic” so changes you make to one (moving it, changing the style) are box, then click “change symbol,” “properties,” and select the “mask” tab. choose
made to all. To label your map features automatically, go to Layer Proper- the “halo” radio button. You can select a halo color other than white and adjust
ties, click on the Label tab, and put a check mark in the “Label Features in this the thickness (1.5 point may be enough).
layer” box. You can also label automatically by right clicking a map layer and
going to “Label Features.” To delete your labels, you’ll need to return to the
Label Properties box and remove the check mark from “Label Features in this
layer” box or right click and go to “Label Features.” You can select “In the map”
as a place to store the annotation.

converting Labels to Annotation

One solution to the problem that auto labeling presents with groups of labels is

to convert them to annota-

tion. This allows them to
function as individual text
boxes so you can change the
style for a single label. To do
this, right click on your map
layer after labeling it and go
to “convert Labels to An-
notation.”
 To make your map larger or smaller
Designing MAP layouts on the page, you can use the zoom
tools on the Tools toolbar or on the
Displaying data so that you can analyze spatial patterns on a computer screen
Layout toolbar. The Layout toolbar
is one thing; printing out a map for other people to look at is quite another.
also includes a pan tool that you
ArcMap thinks of these as distinct functions and makes available a series of tools
can use to move your whole layout.
for designing map layouts that you don’t need until you are ready to print.
To move just your map (and not
the whole page), use the pan tool
Layout view in the Tools toolbar. The fixed zoom
when you open ArcMap, you are in “Data view” and use the Tools toolbar to
tools in the Layout toolbar work
navigate your map. when you switch to the Layout view, you have access to
like the ones on the Tools toolbar.
a different range of tools and use the Layout toolbar to navigate. To switch to
The “Zoom to whole page” button is
“Layout view,” click on the icon at the bottom of your map display that looks
especially useful.
like a piece of paper (next to the globe icon) or, from the view menu, go to
Layout view.

One of the biggest differences in Layout view is that many more options in the
“Insert” menu become active. These options allow you to add elements—includ-
ing a title, legend, north arrow, scale bar, and image—to your layout. Each of

In Layout view, you get a much better idea of how your map will look when these will be separate objects in your layout that can be moved and resized

it’s printed. ArcMap will automatically place a border (“neat line”) around your through their Properties. You won’t see any of them if you switch back to Data

map. You can remove this by right clicking on the border (so the line is turquoise view since they are meant to clarify printed maps, not help you interpret your

and perforated) and going to “Properties.” click on the “Frame” tab. From here map on screen (in fact, the layout view is probably more confusing to look at

you can choose a different style or color frame (to get rid of it altogether, choose from the screen because it adds so many elements and usually shrinks your

“no color” from the color selector). You can also change the background color map). You can add text in the Layout view, but you are better off trying to

and add a shadow (to add a shadow, you’ll need to change the X and Y offset label features from the Data view, using the label or text tools.

to something other than 0).

w orking with Grids and Rulers on the “<” button. The order your layers are listed under “Legend Items” will cor-
You can bring up a number of options aimed respond to the order in which they appear in your legend. To change the order,
at helping you to place the objects within your click on the name and hit the up or down arrows (don’t worry; this won’t affect
layout by right clicking in your layout outside the order in which they are drawn).
of the neat lines. From “Options,” you can
specify ruler units and turn on and off rulers If you want more than one column in your legend, make the adjustment here.
and grids when the “Layout Options” tab is To see what your legend will look like (before working your way through
highlighted. choosing to “snap” to the grid or the rest of the screens), click the “Preview” button. If you are satisfied with it,
rulers will help you to line up objects, but it you can click the Finish button and skip the other steps. Otherwise, click the
will also limit your ability to make fine-level “Preview” button again and click “Next.” On the second screen of the Legend
adjustments.

Adding a Title
To add a title, from the Insert menu go to
“Title.” Type your title in the text box and hit
the enter key or click the cursor outside the
text box. Double click on the title to bring up
the Properties where you can make changes to the text and formatting.

Adding a Legend
Unless your labels are able to fully explain your map features, you will want a
legend on your layout. ArcMap gives you great flexibility in formatting your
legend, and all the choices can be overwhelming. To add a legend, from the
Insert menu go to “Legend.” Your first choice is what map layers you want
included. Arcview will guess that you want to include all active layers. This may
not be the case if you have layers such as a county boundary, rivers, or other
obvious features that don’t need to be included in the legend. To remove a layer
from the legend, click on its name on the right side of this first screen and click
wizard, you can give your legend a title or leave the word “Legend” as the highlighted, allowing you to make changes. You can also change the map label
title (or just leave it blank). The third screen allows you to create a frame and names from the “Layer Properties” dialog box, from the “General” tab.
shadow around your legend (not necessary, but depending upon your layout it
You may also need to translate some of the values that appear in your legend.
may be helpful, particularly if you gave your layout a background color). On
For example, you may choose to symbolize a parcel shapefile with two different
the fourth screen, you can change the symbols and symbol size used to represent
colors for the codes “1000” and “9999” which represent streets and sidewalks,
lines and polygons in your layout. On the final screen, you can make adjustments
respectively. From the “Symbology” tab, type in “street” and “sidewalk” under
to the spacing between items in your legend. click “Finish.” To make changes
the Labels. Be careful not to change the numbers listed under “value” because
after you have created your legend, double click on it to bring up Properties.
this will change your map.

cleaning up your map legend

chances are that you’ll need to clean up your legend at this point. Some of your
map layer names may have underscores or other cryptic notations. The legend
will use the same names that appear in the table of contents. You can change
the label names in the table of contents without changing the name of the
shapefiles on your computer. From the table of contents, click once on the map
layer name, then click again (but not quickly). The label name should become

For maps symbolized using graduate

colors, you may also want to make ad-
justments using the “Label” section. For
income, be sure to add $ and commas.
For percentages, click on the word
“Label” in the “Symbology” tab, choose
“format labels” and select “percentage.”
If your number looks like a decimal (0.15
for 15%), choose the second radio button
and click on “Numeric option.” Here you
can change the number of decimals (in
most cases, choose 0 or 1).
 Once this is set, you can
Adding a North Arrow
You may decide that a north arrow is not necessary (unless you choose to rotate choose any display units you

your map so that north is no longer towards the top of the page; in that case, it want. To add your scale bar,

is definitely necessary). If you do wish to add a north arrow, from the Insert menu from the Insert menu, go to

go to “North Arrow.” choose a style from the “North Arrow Selector” (prefer- “Scale bar.” click on a style
ably something simple, and small). and hit “OK.” Your scale bar
You can move it around on your should appear on your map.
layout by clicking on it. Double You can move or resize it by
click to change the size or style. clicking on it. Double click
consider a small north arrow and to bring up the Properties,
one that is discreet. where you can change the
No Yes
number of divisions and
as well as the font size (by
clicking the Symbol button
Adding a Scale Bar or from the format tab). You
To add a scale bar, you must can also change the division
identify the appropriate units units, from feet to miles or
for your map. You can set these km, here. If your units read “unknown units,” you will need to define your map
from the Data view or Layout projection before proceeding.
view. From Layout view, right
click in the layout (anywhere
inside the neat lines), go to
Properties, and make the
Adding Scale Text
You may wish to include a text description of the map scale, particularly if this
General tab active. From the
is important to your audience and you deliberately chose a scale (as opposed to
map units dropdown menu,
maximizing the size of your map based on the size of your page). To add scale
choose the units used for the
text, from the Insert menu go to “Scale Text.” Double click on the scale text in
original map projection (see
your layout to bring up the Properties, where you can make changes to the
“working with Projections”).
format and units.
Rotating a Map MULTIPLe-MAP LAyOUTS
You can rotate your map to better fit the page or to make it easier to read (just
because you can do this doesn’t mean it’s a good idea). If you do this, make sure You may need to create a printed map that includes more than one map, either
that you have a north arrow on your map. As you rotate your map, your north because you can’t fit everything (such as Alaska and Hawaii) on your main
arrow will adjust to indicate which direction is north. From the view menu, go map, you want to show a series of small multiples (same map with different
to Toolbars (or just right click on a gray part of the GUI) and Data Frame Tools. variables), or because you want to zoom into a small area for your main map
click on the “Rotate Data Frame” button, then click and hold down on your and indicate on a smaller overview map what area the larger map covers.
map, moving your map to change the rotation. To restore the original orienta-
tion, click on the “clear Rotation” button.
Adding Group Layers
Most of the time you will only need one data
frame in a map document. working with
data frames can make your map document
complicated and prone to crash. But if you
need to include more than one map in your
layout (including the same map at a different
extent), you’ll need two or more data frames.
w hen you open ArcMap, you’ll just have
one data frame (called “Layer”) and every
map layer you add to your map document
becomes part of this frame. To create a second
data frame, from the Insert Menu go to “Add
Group Layer.”

To add new data to a particular data frame,

right click on its name and go to “Add Data”
or highlight its name and use the Add Data
button (or, from the Insert menu, go to “Add Data”). If you want to move a
layer to a different data frame once it is in ArcMap, right click on it and go
to “copy.” Then right click on the name of the data frame where you want
creating Inset Maps
to move it and go to “Paste Layer.” The layers in only one data frame can be If you want to have an overview map that shows on a larger map the outline of
displayed in the map view at a given time. It does not matter which one is listed the area your detailed map includes, you’ll need to create an extent rectangle.
first in the table of contents; it matters which one is active. To display the layers To do this, follow the instructions above to create two map layers: a detail layer
in a data frame, right click on its name and go to “Activate.” when you switch and an overview layer.
to the layout view, you will seethat there are two map images, one for each
data frame. You will likely need to resize and move these to fit together.

Zoom in on your detail layer in the map view and resize it in the layout view so
that it looks the way you want. Then right click on the overview layer in your
table of contents. From “Properties” click on the “Extent Rectangle” tab. Move
your detail layer from the left to the right side. click on the “Frame” button to
make changes to the outline of your box.
Exporting MAPS Inserting Maps into Power Point
Save your map as an .jpg. with Power Point open, go to the Insert menu,
If you just need paper copies of your maps, you will probably have the best “Picture,” and “from file,” then Navigate to you map image and click “Insert.”
results printing them from Arcview. But if you need to insert maps into Power You may notice that there is a lot of white space around your map. Eliminate
Point or word processing files, will need to export your maps. this using the crop tool. You must have the map image active (click on it so that
you see small squares at the corners). click on the crop tool and crop the image

Exporting Process by clicking on one of the small boxes and dragging the cursor (if you do this
You can export a map from ArcMap when you are in Data view or Layout without having the crop tool active, you will shrink the whole image).

view. However, if you want your exported map to include titles, legends, scale
You are probably better off creating map titles in Power Point rather than
bars, north arrows, and anything else you added to the layout, you’ll want to
Arcview. Also, if you are making a map specifically for Power Point, consider
export from Layout view. From the File menu, go to “Export Map.” There are
making the legend larger than usual (14 points or more) sothat your audience
many options for export formats in the “Save as type” drop downmenu. can read it.

.PDF: The .pdf format allows you to open the map directly (without inserting
it into PowerPoint or MSword) as long as you have Acrobat Reader. This is
probably the best option if you need to send someone a map or post a map on
the Internet.

.JPG: The .jpg format will compromise the quality of your image, sobe sure to
click on the “options’ button when you export and increase the resolution to at
least 200 dpi (300 dpi will be as good as you need for most things). The .jpg
format is good because it stores your map in a fairly small file.

.TIF and .EPS: The .tif and .eps formats work well if you are going to open your
maps in a graphics software package, but they result in larger files. Inserting Maps into Microsoft word
Follow the same procedures for inserting a map into Microsoft word. You may
Screen Capture: If all else fails, you can take a screen capture (push the print have lessflexibility in moving the map around than in PowerPoint, but you
screen button or alt +print screen buttons, then choose “paste”) and crop the should be able to crop and resize it.
image, but this will not result in a presentation-quality map.
SPATIAL DATA
because it is in “pixel space” since there is no coordinate information. To seeyour
Georectifying images
image, right click on the name and choose “zoom to layer.”
Georefectifying allows you to convert a paper map into a GISmap layer. Es-
sentially, the process assigns X and Y coordinates to points on your digital map
image, shifting, rotating, and scaling your map sothat you can view it as a map
layer along with your shapefiles. The simplest form of this, using onscreen tools, is
explained below. This is especially value for incorporating historical maps to GIS.

create a raster image

Scan your paper map. The higher resolution, the better. ArcMap can handle
pretty big files, and it can work with lots of file types (.jpg, .tif, .bmp). If you have
a choice, go with .tif and 300 dpi or better.

Add reference layers (shapefiles)

Before you add your scanned image, add a shapefile that covers the same geo-
graphic area. This might be a street centerline file, city boundaries, or something
similar. Be sure that you can identify a few places on your scanned maps on this
shapefile (such as a landmark or street intersection). Otherwise, you will not be
able to use on-screen georectifying. In order to start georectify-
ing, you’ll need to switch
Add map image back so that you can see
Add your image to ArcMap just as you would a shapefile or table, using the your shapefile, rather than
button or from the file menu, choose “add layer.” Depending upon the size of your image. Right click on
your image, a dialogue box will ask you if you’d like to add pyramids. click the shapefile and choose
“OK.” Don’t worry if you get a warning message that your image lacks projec- “zoom to layer.” From the
tion information. At this point, your scanned map is just an image, soit shouldn’t view menu, choose toolbars,
contain any spatial information. The name of your image should now appear in then Georeferencing.
the table of contents, but you will not see your image drawn with your shapefile
From the georeferencing menu, choose “fit to display.” Now your reference
layer(s) should draw on top of your map image in the view map window. If your
scanned map is upside down, use the “Flip or Rotate” tools.

Add control points

click the “add control points” button. create your first control point on your
image by clicking once on your scanned map, then click on the shapefile in the
corresponding spot. Your image should shift closer to your shapefile. If it gets
further away, you probably reversed the order. Be sure to click on your scanned
map first, then the shapefile. You may find it helpful to use the magnifier
window (from the window menu, choose “magnifier”) sothat you can seeyour
map details without zooming in. continue to add control points. After doing
this a few times, your image should be more or less lined up with your shapefile.
continue to add control points as long as doing so improves the alignment.
In most situations, your map image will not line up perfectly with the shape-
Transformations
file and you should not expect it to. The original map you scanned may have
If you have six or more control points, you can perform a second order; if you
been created using a different projection system or included distortions and the
have twelve or more control points, you can perform a third order transforma-
map may have been further distorted or damaged over time. If the image gets
tion. But be sure to look at how these transformations distort your map. You
further and further away from the shapefile, however, try starting over. From
may be better off with the first-order transformation.
the georeferencing menu on the georeferencing toolbar, go to “delete control
points” and “reset transformation,” then choose “fit to display” again. You can
also delete a single control point using the “view links” button. The control points
are listed in the order that you created them, so the most recent control point
will be listed last. To delete one, hightlight it and click the delete (X) button.

You may find it easier to line up the scanned map and reference shapefile using
the magnifier tool. From the windows menu, choose “Magnifier.” Move the Mag-
nifier window over your maps in areas where you are having trouble lining them
up. You can add control points from inside the Magnifer window.

Saving the Georeferenced Image

In order to permanently save the transformation, choose “Update Georefer-
encing.” This will add the spatial information directly to your scanned map
(meaning you will loose the original version). If you choose “rectify” from the
georeferencing menu, ArcMap will create a new image with the spatial data.
Note that the new rectified map may be very large and may look slightly differ-
ent (darker, poorer resolution).