tutorial 1– exploring arcgis.pdf

GEOG 245: Geographic Information Systems FA11 - Lab 01 Tutorial 1– Exploring ArcGIS Before beginning this tutorial, you should make sure your GIS network folder is mapped on the computer you are using. Please refer to the “How to map you r GIS server folder as a network drive” document for instructions. Objectives: • Starting ArcMap and opening a map • Managing the layers window • Learning the difference between layout view and data view • Navigating within ArcMap • Exploring data on a map • Exploring attribute data for a layer • Adding data to a map The ArcGIS Structure ArcGIS consists of several separate, but functionally connected, subsystems. Each subsystem is designed to perform specific GIS tasks. For example, the ArcMap system serves as the primary map production and analysis site for ArcGIS. Most of our work in Geog 245 will take place within ArcMAP. ArcCatalog is another subsystem that allows you to manage (view, document, search, etc.) your spatial data. Other ArcGIS subsystems that we will be using in this course include ArcToolbox and ArcScene. Launching ArcMap The ArcMap system is launched in the following way (at least on the majority of computers): Start Menu Programs ArcGIS ArcMap10 You will be presented with a window asking you how you’d like to begin working (see below). Select the ‘blank map’ in the middle of the ‘My templates’ window. You are also setting a default space where any output you generate will be written. By default this folder is in your ‘My Documents’ folder, which is a local drive. What is the significance of that? Ask your lab instructor if you do not know. 1 GEOG 245: Geographic Information Systems FA11 - Lab