• allows one to query a single field in a layer by moving the mouse over the feature in the map display.
• To view map tips, right mouse click on layer name in TOC, select Properties, then Display tab and check 'Show MapTips (uses primary display field)'
• Some issues on speed when trying to zoom and display map tips at the same time. See
• Overview Window
  • creates a separate window that is linked to the map display
  • Shows zoom extent of map display on the full zoom extend in the overview window
  • Used to pan and zoom the map display
  • Must be in Data View mode in ArcMap, else the Window -> Overview... is grayed/dimmed out
  • Not able to print the overview window in a layout, see Article #20204 To create an overview window in a layout, see the online help ArcGIS Desktop Help -> Contents tab -> ArcMap -> Laying out and printing maps -> Adding data frames -> Using on data frame to show the location of another. Will be cover in later sessions of class.
  • Similar to DsViewer command in AutoCAD 14 and later.
• Zoom
  • Changes the display scale has shown in the Standard Toolbar.
  • To zoom in click the + magnifier icon in the Tools toolbar. A single click in the map display zooms around a point. Click and drag will create a rectangle to zoom around an area.
  • To zoom out click the - magnifier icon in the Tools toolbar.
  • To zoom to a specific scale in the data frame, type or choose the desired scale on the Standard toolbar.
  • To zoom to the extent of a layer, choose "Zoom to Layer Extent" from the context menu of the layer in the TOC.
  • To zoom to the full extent of a data frame, click the Full Extent button (icon of the world) on the Tools toolbar. If option is grayed out, click View -> Data Frame Properties: Data Frame Tab and check Automatic extent.
  • Continous Zoom/Pan: Tools -> Customize: Commands Tab: Pan/Zoom, in Commands Window drag and drop the "Continuous Zoom and Pan" button onto the Tools toolbar.
• Attribute Table
  • Right mouse click on the layer name in the TOC to open the context menu, select Open Attribute Table
  • Selecting a record in the table view also selects the map feature is the map display window [Ormsby 01, p. 41]
  • Selecting a map feature in the map display will also select the record in the table view.
  • Can rearrange the order of the fields for display purposes by highlighting the column and dragging. Note this doesn't change the order of fields in the database.
  • To sort the records, right-click on the field name in the attribute table and click Sort Descending or Sort Ascending
  • Field Statistics: right-click on the field name and click Statistics
  • To view in ArcMap, right mouse click on feature attributes in TOC, select Open Attribute Table.
  • composed of records/rows and fields/columns.
  • Values stored in cells.
  • Resize display of field widths by moving over the field heading until the two-headed arrow is displayed.
  • Map features linked to attribute table. Select a record in the table will highlight feature in the map display.
  • Clear Selection
  • Sort Records
  • Statistics of Fields

Class 3 Homework

ESRI Virtual Campus: Learning ArcGIS I

• Module 2 of 6: Displaying and Georeferencing Data in ArcGIS

Reading Assignment

• Getting to Know ArcGIS desktop: Chapter 4
• Turn in 2 questions on what you think the book is discussing in this chapter. Write the questions on paper with your name, "Class 3 Home Assignment-Chapter 4", and date due (1 week from assigned). Turn in at the beginning of class next week.

Homework

• Next class, submit the topic/title of your Term Project. Also identify team members.

Class 4: 6 Feb 2003

Guest Speakers(s)

: none

Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop: Chapter 4 Exploring ArcCatalog

ArcCatalog

• Need to Know
• Similar to Windows Explorer but for spatial data
• Catalog Tree- used to browse data sources
  • File -> Connect to Folder... (add \\ccgis1\gisdata location to ArcCatalog). Then next time ArcCatalog is open, the connection to \\ccgis1\gisdata will already be done.
  • Add Database Connection to SDE. Database Connections -> Add Spatial Database Connection. Server: ccgis2, Service: port:5151, Database: gismo, User Name: public1, and Password: public1 (inital one-time setup)
  • Recommend viewing file extensions in ArcCatalog, sometimes have problems when downloading files and Windows adding a txt extension on the file. To view file extensions, Tools -> Options -> General tab, uncheck 'Hide file extensions'.
  • Different icons for the file types, e.g. square bumpy icon represents an image. Double-clicking a map will open in ArcMap. Illustrates the spatial data hierarchy in which its organized.
• Contents Tab: items selected in the Catalog Tree will be displayed in the Contents tab. For example, selecting a map document (.mxd) in the Catalog tree will show a thumbnail in the Contents tab.
• Preview Tab: used to view data in two formats, spatial-Geography View (shows spatial extend of feature) or tabular-Table View (shows feature attributes). If viewing an .mxd file, will see the map layout.
• Metadata Tab: documentation about the data. Some of the properties of the data are automatically generated and can be view in this tab.
• Used to create a new personal geodatabase. File -> New -> Personal Geodatabase. (Note must have a directory selected in the Catalog Tree as well as have write permissions in that directory).
• Drag-n-Drop files from ArcCatalog to ArcMap. Another method to add data to ArcMap.
• Nice to Know
• Simple query using Identify available in ArcCatalog Preview-Geography Window
• To find spatial data use the Search Button (magnifying glass on top of a file cabinet) on the Standard toolbar.
• Location toolbar- can type the path to an item in this text box. Note, this path is added to the location list for quick reference.
• "When you copy, rename, or delete data sources with ArcCatalog, auxilary files and other data sources that are linked to the datasets are also copied, renamed, or deleted." (see ArcGIS Desktop Help: ArcCatalog -> Managing the Catalog's contents -> Organizing your data -> About organizing your data with ArcCatalog).
• Deleting a database connection or shortcut doesn't delete the database or the target.
• How to View .e00 files (ArcInfo Interchange files) in ArcCatalog
• Main Menu toolbar: Tools -> Options... File Types tab, New Type... button
• File extension: e00
• Description of type: Workstation ArcInfo Interchange Format for Coverages
• Change Icon... button, select the tree icon
• OK button and OK button
• View file extension in Windows Explorer. Tools -> Folder Options... View tab, uncheck Hide extensions for known file types. Now when browsing folders, full filename is displayed, e.g. junk.txt
• Universal Naming Convention (UNC), Mapped Network Folders vs. Add Network Places
  • Windows Command Prompt and UNC. Basically CMD doesn't support UNC path. Workaround, pushd \\ccgis1\gisdata (see Article 26901 by John Savill)
  • How to add a Network Place in Windows Explorer, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 308416
  • Mapped Network Folders assigns an "... alias-the assigned drive letter-that provides an alternative means of access. In general, drive mapping is obsolete, having been supplanted by improvements in and greater reliance on My Network Places." (see Microsoft Windows XP Inside Out, ISBN: 0735613826, p. 971)
  • Issues sharing ArcMap documents (.mxd) if layer data sources use different alias, i.e. mapped network folders. For example, Admin maps \\ccgis1\gisdata to the O: drive and Design maps it to the M: drive. UNC will solve this problem. Won't solve problem if you just give the .mxd file to another agency.
• Catalog Metadata tab- provides information about the data set, such as coordinate system, attribute descriptions, etc. ArcCatalog creates a XML document of the metadata. XML focus on content, HTML focus on display. XML documents can be searched. Example metadata site in Clark County. ESRI has a whitepaper on metadata, "ESRI Profile of the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata". Another reference by the Federal Geographic Data Committee, Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata Workbook". Typical definition given for metadata is "data about data."
• Creating a Custom Metadata Synchronizer
• Can only print Metadata from ArcCatalog, use ArcMap instead to print Preview of data
• Can perform dual field sort by highlighting fields, right mouse click primary sort field and select Ascending/Descending Sort. Secondary sort is automatically performed
• Don't have to save changes in ArcCatalog like you do in ArcMap [Ormsby 01, p. 57]
• Creating new Data (i.e. Table) in ArcCatalog
• ArcCatalog has the ability to create tables. It doesn't have the ability to edit or input records on these newly created tables (use Microsoft Access or ArcMap)
• ArcCatalog can only create tables in a GeoDataBase (GCB), both personal and SDE
• Step 1: from the ArcCatalog tree, right-click the GDB and click New -> Table
• Step 2: Enter table name
• Step 3: Add a field to the table: enter field name and data type. Repeat this for all fields
• Step 4: Add data using Microsoft Access or ArcMap
• All simple tables in the geodatabase require an ObjectID type field
• Can use another table as a template, get everything but the data records
• ArcMap doesn't like Access table names that have a dash "-"
• Reference: ArcGIS Desktop Help - Contents tab -> Geodatabases -> Creating new items in geodatabases -> Creating tables
• Add a field in ArcCatalog
• How to calculate the values of one field to another field in Desktop ArcInfo 8 Article Number 10014
• Ability to Import .e00 within ArcCatalog
• Tools -> Customize... -> Commands tab: ATB Conversion Tools -> Import from Interchange File... (drag and drop onto existing toolbar in ArcCatalog)
• Tools -> Options: File Types tab: New Type... button: File extension is e00, Description of Type is ArcInfo Interchange File
• select .e00 file in ArcCatalog, then click the newly added Import from Interchange File... button
• Of course you could just use ArcToolbox to do the same thing.

Adding data to ArcMap

• Drag and drop feature from ArcCatalog to ArcMap TOC or drop on the Data Frame in the Map display.
• Drag and drop layers onto the data frame will order the layers by feature class. See ESRI Article Number 17519.
• Remember you can reorder layers in the TOC, just can't reorder data frames.
• Can copy and paste layers between data frames

Creating Point Layer from x,y values in a table

• Two methods to create a point layer: Event Theme [Ormsby 01, p. 476] or From XY Table
• From XY Table
• Step 1: from ArcCatalog tree, right-click on XY table, Create Feature Class -> From XY Table
• Step 2: select field name that has x-coordinates (e.g. Eastings)
• Step 3: select field name that has y-coordinates (e.g. Northings)
• Step 4: accept defaults on remaining
• Reference: ArcGIS Desktop Help: Contents tab - ArcCatalog -> Exploring the values in a table -> Creating new data sources from the values in a table

Searching for Map Data

• Edit -> Search from Menu toolbar or Magnifying glass and file cabinet button on the standard toolbar
• Results of search, right mouse click on feature of interest, select 'Go To Target' to open the spatial dataset in ArcCatalog Catalog Tree.
• Can also drap and drop results of search into ArcMap.

RTC Bus Data

• Bus Routes: busroute_l.shp, busroute_l.dbf, busroute_l.prj, busroute_l.shx, metadata
• Bus Stops: stops_x.shp, stops_x.dbf, stops_x.prj, stops_x.shx, metadata

Class 4 Homework

ESRI Virtual Campus: Learning ArcGIS I

• Module 3 of 6: Working with Spatial Data in ArcGIS

Reading Assignment

• Getting to Know ArcGIS desktop: Chapter 18 and 19
• Turn in 2 questions on what you think the book is discussing in this chapter. Write the questions on paper with your name, "Class 4 Home Assignment-Chapter 18 & 19", and date due (1 week from assigned). Turn in at the beginning of class next week.

Homework

• Create a point layer from the RTC bus stop location table. Bus stop metadata download the RTC stop_pts_x.dbf Add this newly create point layer to ArcMap and print it from Data View (not Layout view, will cover this next week). Change the point symbol color to dark green. Write your name and Class 4 Homework. Turn in next Thursday.

Class 5: Thursday, 13 Feb 2003

Guest Speakers(s)

none

Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop: Chapter 3 continue: ArcMap

• Map Documents (.mxd)
  • Displayed in ArcMap. Used to store graphic elements, text, and links to the data in the TOC amoung other things.
  • red exclamation point next to the feature class in the ArcMap TOC indicates that the data is missing. Right mouse click and click Set Data Source to fix. See ESRI Article Number 16476.
  • Using the Save command can increase the size of the .mxd, see ESRI Article Number 20872. Recommend doing a Save As.
  • Use relative path names to help solve issues with moving data. See, Save an ArcMap map document to a CDROM preserving the paths to the data, Article Number 20905.

• Create Overview Data Frame (a.k.a. index, vicinity, location, or key map)
  • Chapter 19 of [Ormsby 01] shows an overview data frame, but doesn't tell how to create one.
  • ArcGIS Desktop Help -> Contents tab -> ArcMap -> Laying out and printing maps -> Adding data frames -> Using on data frame to show the location of another
  • In a nutshell, from the Data Frame Properties, select the Extent Rectangles tab
  • required item for Tentative Map submission, "V. A vicinity or key map showing the relation of the subdivision to the area in which it is located" (Title 30 Clark County Unified Development Code, 30.28.120 Document Submittal Requirements, p. 30.28 - 19)
  • Requires at least 2 data frames, one being the main map display and the other the overview frame.
  • Rectangle showing the map extent is dynamic, that is if pan/zoom is peeach feature's shape and its location in the coordinate system." [Ormsby 01, p. 366] Will discuss further in Chapter 14.

• How to create an exact copy of an Overview Window in a data frame.
  • Issue being the polygon shading/hatching is solid, not lines drawn at 45 degree angle. This can be done by creating a new line style. Below is email extract from Thomas Purk, tpurk@esri.com of ESRI Technical Support.
  1. Select Data Frame from the Insert menu.
  2. Rename the data frame to 'Overview'
     1. Right click on the Data Frame in the ArcMap Table of Contents
     2. Select Properties
     3. Switch to the General tab
     4. Type the new name in the Name field
     5. Click Apply and OK
  3. Create an extend rectangle for the Overview data frame
     1. Right click on the data frame and select Properties
     2. Switch to the Extent Rectangles tab
     3. Select a Data Frame from the 'Other data frames' list
     4. Click the right arrow button
     5. Click Apply and OK
  4. Select Tools -> Styles -> Style Manager...
  5. Expand the ESRI.Styles folder and select the Background subfolder
  6. Right click in the right hand window and select New -> Normal Background
  7. Click the Change Symbol button on the Background dialog box
  8. Click the Properties button on the Symbol Selector dialog box
  9. Select Line Fill Symbol from the Type dropdown list
  10. Change the angle field to 45 degrees
  11. Select Red from the Color dropdown
  12. Click the Outline button
  13. Select Red from the Color dropdown and click OK
  14. Click Apply and OK on all dialog boxes
  15. Rename the new style to 'Overview' and close the Style Manager
  16. Right click the Overview data frame and select Properties
  17. Switch to the Extent Rectangles tab
  18. Click the Frame button
  19. Switch the Outline to None and switch the Background to the new Overview background
  20. Click Apply and OK on all dialogs. Once you arrange your Layout view you should see something like the following image.

Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop: Chapter 18 - Making Maps Quickly

Templates

• Provides a standardized layout when creating a series of maps.
• Similar to Microsoft Word, where every Word document (.doc) is based on a template. A template determines the basic structure for a document and contains document settings such as fonts, macros, page layouts, special formatting, and styles.
• AutoCAD also uses templates. These store standard settings such has:
  • unit type and precision
  • title blocks, borders, and logos
  • layer names
  • snap, grid, and orthos settings
  • drawing (grid) limits
  • dimension styles
  • text styles
  • linetypes
  Biggest problem with AutoCAD templates is they are based on the plotter settings. So one cannot create a universal template layout that will work with all printers/plotters.
• ArcMap template features
  • Custom User interface information is stored in the template, for example whether or not the Table of Contents is docked or free-floating, which toolbars are displayed, etc. Note user interface changes are stored in the normal template unless you save in another map or template.
  • Can be saved with or without data.
  • Create a new template from an old one.
  • Map documents have extension (.mxd), Map templates use (.mxt) extension.
  • Stores a predefined layout which can include map elements such as north arrows, scale bars, and logos.
  • Can reference a style or group of styles. Note a style is a suite of symbols and map elements that provide information about the symbol properties, label specifications, color schemes, legend and scale bar characteristics, and coordinate reference systems.

Layout Toolbar

• Only works in Layout View
• View -> Toolbars -> Layout to turn on/off the toolbar
• Zoom Whole Page- similar to zoom Full Extent in the Data View, but this only applies to Layouts
• Zoom In, Zoom Out, Pan
• Within ArcMap Edit Session, hit the Z key to start a zoom in process.
• Zoom Control 100% drop down box is the same as Zoom to 100% button
• When using Layout Toolbar to zoom in/out at different percentages, the actual scale of the map (either inherited from the scale set in Data View or as set in Layout View) remains the same. [ESRI Virtual Campus, Learning ArcGIS I, Presenting Data in ArcGIS, Lesson 1]

Logos and Pictures

• Windows Enhanced Metafile (.emf) is the best format for inserting images as pictures in ArcMap
• Windows Metafile (.wmf) is a 16-bit metafile used by Microsoft Windows to display a picture. An enhanced metafile (.emf) is a 32-bit metafile that is a superset of the .wmf. See Windows Metafile FAQ.
• Note PostScript images are not support, only JPEG, GIF, TIF, EMF, BMP, and PNG (see ESRI Article Number 17274) even though ArcMap can create a PostScript plot file.
• Note ArcMap markers can be a .bmp (raster format) or .emf (vector format). EMF format has better clarity and scaling abilities. The pictures used in the styles that come with ArcMap are stored in \bin\styles\pictures folder where ArcGIS is installed. See ArcMap online help, Creating marker symbols.
• Use any graphics software package that supports export to Windows bitmaps or Windows enhanced metafiles.
• EMF or BMP image files can be used as a north arrow. See ESRI Article #20538.
• Can use Microsoft Paint to create a bmp logo. Use Image -> Attributes to set size of logo, e.g. 1"x1". Then draw anything and do a save as .bmp.
• Limitations of Metafile Formats (EMF, WMF) When Printing PostScript, seeEMF and PostScript
• WitzImg from Witzend Software. Free EMF/WMF view can be downloaded from www.download.com. From the developer: "The WitzImg program lets you quickly browse through your graphics files, and displays a faithful thumbnail view of each file as it's selected. If you've ever wanted a convenient way to quickly peruse clipart, photos, drawings -- all your graphics files -- download the free WitzImg utility and see how easy it is. Designed to showcase our Witzend Thumbnail Image Viewer (tm) ActiveX control, the WitzImg utility recognizes all common graphics formats, including JPEG, GIF, TIFF, bitmap (BMP), cursor (CUR), icon (ICO), and metafiles (WMF and EMF). You can view an image in any of three sizing modes: (1) stretched-to-fit; (2) stretched-to-fit with aspect ratio maintained; and (3) normal size. Under Windows NT/2000/XP, the WitzImg program can even rotate the selected image."

Reference Systems: Grids and Graticule

• Graticules
  • "A graphic representation on a map of the network of parallels and meridians (latitude and longitude) that subdvide the earth's surface" (ESRI Virtual Campus-Basics of ArcGIS, Lesson 1: Introducing a GIS)
  • To add a graticule to an ArcMap layout, see ESRI Article Number 14165
  • To create a non-rectangular graticule border, see Article Number 22887
  • From ArcMap: View menu -> Data Frame Properties -> Grids tab - New Grid button
  • USGS Digital Elevation Models (DEM) data is 1:24,000 scale, every 7.5-minute. Setup a graticule every 0 degrees 7 minutes 30 seconds to assist in referencing Federal data.
  • To place a grid or graticule below the data layers in a map, convert it to a graphic. See ESRI Article Number 17370
  • To change the font style of a graticule, see ESRI Article Number 22097
  • Must define a coordinate system for the data frame in ArcMap before applying a graticule. See ESRI Article Number 22515
  • Can change the X and Y origin of the Graticules. From the Data Frame Properties, Grids tab, select the graticule, and click Properties -> Intervals tab. Use this procedure if having incorrect label values on the graticule. See ESRI Article Number 20370
• Grids
  • Use a Measured Grid to place UTM grids and State Plane grids.
  • Can use a different coordinate system for the grid reference system than the data frame projection.
  • Reference Grid is often used has a map index. Have uniform size for all cells in the grid. In Las Vegas, typically use the Township-Range-Section lines as map index even though the size of each section isn't uniform. This would be known as a custom overlay reference grid. "Custom overlay reference grids use the geometry of a polygon data source to define the grid lines and an attribute column in this same layer to specify the labels." (ArcGIS Desktop Help -> ArcMap -> Laying out and printing maps -> Adding grids and graticules (reference systems))

Add x,y coordinate data to ArcMap

• Use tabular data (e.g. delimited text files, dBase .dbf files, etc) to create a point layer
• Example is surveyors will provide a points file, this is method to view in ArcView
• Table must contain two fields, one for the x-coordinate and another for the y-coordinate. Table can contant other data, but this won't be used in spatial context.
• Creates a data layer similar to a graphic layer, that is to make it a permanent feature, need to export the layer as a shapefile (.shp) or personal geodatabase (.mdb) feature.
• Cannot interactively move a point on the map (unless it has been converted to shp or mdb), need to change the value in the table.
• If using a text file, remember first record will be imported as the field name, enclose strings in double quotes (single quotes will be imported into the database), use either tab or comma field delimitors.
• Field X = Long = Easting = <--->
• Field Y = Lat = Northing
• Tools -> Add XY Data...
• Can defined the projection at time of import
• Text files: comma delimited, strings can optionally be enclosed in double quotes, first record is the field heading names
• Use field based hyperlinks instead of manual hyperlinks, see ESRI Article Number 17520. Note if the hyperlink button is grayed out, open the layer properties in the TOC, select Display tab, then check "Support Hyperlinks using field"
• Problem: XY event themes created from text files are not selectable, ESRI Article #21953
• See ESRI Article Number 21473 on Using ArcObjects to get the x and y coordinates of points, polygon centroids, or line midpoints

Create x,y,z features in ArcCatalog

• right mouse click on the text file in ArcCatalog to bring up context sensitive menu. Select Create Feature Class -> From XY Table.
• Any ASCII text file can be converted into a point shapefile or a point feature class in a personal or ArcSDE geodatabase.
• Text file must contain x and y field. The field name doesn't have to have x,y label. For example can use Easting, Northing field names.
• Z field is optional. If used, ArcCatalog will auotmatically create a point feature that has Z values, also know Point Z shape type.
• When creating a new 3D point feature class, use Shape Geometry Type Point with the field property-Contains Z values- as Yes.
• Within an ArcMap edit session, can create new 3D point features, problem is how to specify the elevation, z value, seems you can only use the Sketch tool to create a 2D point.
• Would be handy to create a 3D point by clicking on an elevation surface, that is the elevation at the location clicked on the TIN surface would be copied into the 3D point geometry feature.
• ArcGIS software doesn't allow you to specify the Vertical Datum of the Z elevation points. Datum most often used is the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD88). So you must keep track what your elevations are based on.
• See ArcGIS Desktop Help -> ArcCatalog -> Exploring the values in a table -> Creating new data sources from the values in a table

Event Tables

• Layers created from tables containing location information in ArcMap.
• Two fields that contain raw coordinates or raw measures that can be compared with existing feature classes.
• Create event layer using the Add XY Data tool in ArcMap. Note an event layer behaves just like any other feature layer, can symbolize it, turn on/off, etc.
• Street addresses can be used

ArcMap Graphics: Points, Lines, Circles, Polygons, Rectangles

• Data View Graphics
  • "If you want the graphic to display with your data, add it in data view. For example, suppose you want to draw a circle representing a buffer around a feature. Instead of drawing the circle over the data frame in layout view, draw it directly over your data in data view. Then, as you pan and zoom your data, the circle pans and zooms with it." (ArcGIS Desktop Help: ArcMap -> Labeling maps with text and graphics -> Drawing points, lines, and circles -> Adding graphics in layout view and data view)
  • If in Layout View, just use the Draw toolbar -> Select Graphics button and double click the data frame. Now when you create graphics within the data frame, they will be linked to it instead of the map layout.
• Layout View Graphics
  • "Since graphics don't change size as you zoom in or out on data, wait to do this until you're satisfied with the display scale. A graphic box that encloses a feature at one display scale, for instance, may not enclose it at another." [Ormsby 01, p. 482]
• Add a graphic using the Draw toolbar
• Can change size of a graphic by using the Select Graphics button (black arrow icon) to click on the graphic, move mouse pointer over one of the blue selection handles, then click and drag.
• Press the Delete key on the keyboard to remove a selected graphic
• Graphic Properties: double click the graphic. Can be used to change the fill color.
• Can edit the vertices of a graphic. Use the Edit Vertices Icon on the Draw Toolbar (black line polygon showing with black points for the vertices). Right-click over the line and click Add Vertex or Delete Vertex. Click and drag to move a vertex.
• Can convert a layer into graphics for cartographic purposes. Right click the layer in the TOC and click Convert Features to Graphics.
• Cannot do the reverse. The ability to convert graphics into map features is not supported in ArcGIS 8.2. Currently logged as an enhancement request with ESRI. Workaround is to to use ArcMap Sketches within an edit session.
• Draw Toolbar -> Default Symbol Properties: once clicked, just click an icon you want to change the default symbol properties on.
• Group Graphics: blue handles on the graphic indicates the dominant graphic, that is the one ArcMap uses to align other graphics with. To change the dominant graphic, hold down the Ctrl key and select the desired graphic. Graphics that are grouped together behave as a single graphic.
• UnGroup Graphics: select the graphic using the Select Graphics tool (black arrow icon) then click Drawing on the Draw toolbar and click Ungroup.
• Aligning Graphics- moves the graphics
• Distributing Graphics- equal spaceWorking with Attributes in ArcGIS
• Chapter 12 of [Ormsby 01] discusses the ability to create buffer graphics.

Class 5 Homework

ESRI Virtual Campus: Learning ArcGIS I

• Module 4 of 6: Querying your Database in ArcGIS

Reading Assignment

• Getting to Know ArcGIS desktop: Chapter 5 and 6
• Turn in 2 questions on what you think the book is discussing in this chapter. Write the questions on paper with your name, "Class 5 Home Assignment-Chapter 5 & 6", and date due (1 week from assigned). Turn in at the beginning of class next week.

Homework

• Create a map on 8.5"x11" paper.
• Main data frame, display the UNLV parcel, found in Assessor Book 162 Section 22.
• Add vicinity map data frame in the map layout showing where the UNLV parcel is located in relation to the cities in Clark County.
• Customize or Copy a company logo. Add this the layout using the Insert -> Picture...
• Add a title graphic element with your name and Class 5 Homework. Add this the layout using the Insert -> Title
• Turn in next Thursday.
• Cities in Clark County: sclcity_p.shp, sclcity_p.dbf, sclcity_p.prj, sclcity_p.shx, metadata
• UNLV Parcel: pl16222.shp, pl16222.dbf, pl16222.shx, metadata

Data for in Class Lab Exercise

• A CDROM will be passed around. Copy the contents to your local machine, for example c:\ceg468
• CDROM contains several images and DEMs for Clark County

Using ArcMap with Relative Path Names

• Solves the problem of transferring ArcMap documents (.mxd) and data features (e.g. geodatabase, shapefiles, coverages, etc.) from UNLV Lab to another computer
• Best to save .mxd and data features in the same Windows directory (e.g. c:\ceg468)
• Within ArcMap: File -> Map Properties... click Data Source Options... button, then select the "Store relative path names" radio button.
• The Source tab in the ArcMap Table of Contents will still show the full path, but internal will recognize relative path names.
• Can now copy on to a CDROM/Zip Drive and ArcMap will find the data source link. This avoids the red exclamation point on the layer name in the ArcMap Table of Contents.
• References:
• How to Save an ArcMap map document to a CD preserving the paths to the data. ESRI Article Number 20905
• How to Remove red exclamation point and relocate an ArcMap data source. ESRI Article Number 16476
• How to Distribute a client-side geocoding service to other users. ESRI Article Number 19316
• Error: The import geometry type does not match destination geometry type. ESRI Article Number 22484

Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop: Chapter 19 - Making Maps for Presentation

Basic Map Elements to include on Maps

• Map Legend- used to explain symbols. By default includes all layers from the map. ArcMap: Insert -> Legend (only works in Layouts)
• Title- provide a description of map
• Project Info- for example: StatePlane Coordinates, NAD83, Units Feet, Nevada East Zone (FIPS 4701)
• Source Statement- credit to where you obtained spatial data
• North Arrow- used to orient the map with the world
• Scale bar- also used to orient the map with the world. ArcMap: Insert -> Scale Bar... Must have data frame projection and units defined (Data Frame Properties: Coordinate System and General tab). Based on the current map scale show on the Standard Toolbar. If more than one data frame is included with the map, its usually best to keep the scale bar within the data frame it references. Scale bar broken into Divisions, then subdivisions to the left of 0.
• Neatline- border that can be placed around map elements or inside the margins. ArcMap: Insert -> Neatline... Use the Data Frame Properties- Frame tab to place neatlines around data frames.
• Company Logo- identifies group responsible for map. ArcMap: Insert -> Picture.
  • "ArcMap keeps the same ratio of width to height (the aspect ratio) when you resize graphics, so they won't be distorted when you change their size. If you want to make a graphic wider or taller without changing its other dimension, right-click the graphic, click Properties, and on the Picture tab uncheck Maintain aspect ratio. You can then stretch the graphic."
  • "Check the box to save the picture as part of the document if you want to give the map to someone who may not have the picture file. This increases the size of the map document (.mxd), but makes the document more portable."
  • Reference: ArcGIS Desktop Help -> ArcMap -> Working with graphic elements, pictures, and neatlines

Scale Bar Map Elements

• Visual indication of the size of features and distances between features on the map
• A line or bar divided into parts and labeled with its ground length, usually in multiples of map units
• scale is based on the active data frame
• can manually resize and move the scale bar
• preserves the ratio/scale if the physical map is enlarged or reduced.
• ArcMap: Insert -> Scale bar
• right mouse click on the scale bar to modify the properties
• Scale Bar window has 3 tabs: "Scale and Units", "Numbers and Marks", and "Format"
• Must set the data frame units before adding a scale bar.

Comparison of Data Frame/Viewports in layouts between CAD & GIS

• ArcMap 8.2- Data Frames
  • Locking a data frame keeps it from accidentally being deleted. See ESRI Article #18060. Data Frame is locked when surrounded by short lines at a 45 degree angle.
  • Panning/Zooming in Data View changes the map extents in the Data Frame shown in Layout View. This has its drawbacks.
  • ArcMap has option to use fixed scale and fixed extents which restricts the user from being able to pan/zoom in the data view or the data frame in the layout. Would prefer if this restriction only applied to the data frame in the layout. See ESRI Article #17376.
  • Possible workarounds is to create a separate data view that is outside the layout. Will have duplicated layers but will allow one to pan/zoom without changing the final plot.
  • Don't confuse with Tools -> Customize... -> Options tab -> Lock Customization... button. This locks the customization done on a document or template using a password.
  • Can have several Data Frames per Map Document (.mxd)
  • Can reorder data frames in the ArcMap Table of Contents by using 'Change Layout'
  .
  • Only one layout allowed, see ESRI Article Number 17577. Big disadvantage. Workaround to Change Map template in Layout View, see ESRI Article #17222 this only works well if changing the layout size. Right mouse select Change Layout... Not a good solution if doing several plots all with the same template (.mxt).
  • Can create non-rectangular viewports in ArcMap. From the Data Frame Properties: Data Frame tab: Check the Enable Clip to Shape box, click the Specify Shape button then finally click on Outline of Selected Data Graphics. ArcUser January-March 2003, p. 25 you previously created
• AutoCAD 2002- Viewports
  • Concept of locking a viewport keeps the user from being able to pan/zoom or delete a viewport.
  • Applies only to layouts, that is changes in the map extent in modelspace doesn't alter the viewports in the layout(s).
  • using the PROPERTIES command in AutoCAD, select the viewport and then select Display Locked and toggle to Yes.
  • Only one Modelspace (MS) per drawing (.dwg). Workaround, insert all spatial data into MS, then use VPLAYER command to freeze/thaw desired layers. Hassle to work with if data is in different projections. Issues when creating Overview/Index/Vicinity/Key maps.
  • Can have several layout pages. Advantageous when developing a set of plans for construction.

Size and Position of Data Frames

• Editing a Data Frame. In Layout View, right mouse click inside the Data Frame and select Properties. Within the Data Frame Properties, select the Size and Position tab. For exact control of data frame, uncheck the As Percentage and Preserve Aspect Ratio boxes.
• Can use Guides to snap a data frame to an exact location. Turn on/off guides by View -> Guides. To create a guide just click anyware on the ruler. To delete a guide, put mouse over guide in the ruler section, will get a double black arrow, right mouse click and select "Clear Guide". Options context sensitive menu is same as doing a right mouse click on the data frame and selecting options.
• Cannot use guides to move a data frame, only snap to it.
• Cannot nudge a guide. When moving, smallest division unit is set under Data Frame Options, Layout View tab, Rulers section.
• Guides can be used to position any map element or data frame.
• Guides don't appear on the printed map
• To turn on snap to Guides, right mouse click on the virtual page in Layout View and select Guides -> Snap to Guides.
• "The data frames are stacked on the virtual page according to their order in the table of contents." [Ormsby 01, p. 494]

Title Map Element

• To add use Insert -> Title from the Menu toolbar
• Double click or right mouse click Properties to edit text value.
• Can be snapped to guides.
• Use Text Properties, Change Symbol... button to add a text mask. AutoCAD has similar command called TEXTMASK.
• Units of Points, one inch = 72 points.
• Can nudge the text box using the arrow keys. Must have the text object selected (dashed rectangle surrounding the text identifies it is selected).
• Nudge can be done on any map element. Use to move the element, not resize it.
• What is the difference between a Title Map Element and a Text Map Element in ArcMap? When you add a Title Map Element, the default size is larger and centered when compared to a Text Map Element. Otherwise the two elements are the same. Note the Text Map Element can be added two ways: 1) from the Menu bar, Insert -> Text. 2) from the Draw Toolbar, Select the Bold A icon, which also gives the option to add splined text which isn't available from the Menu bar.

Text Map Element

• View -> Toolbars -> Draw to turn on/off or Insert -s activated when inserting
• tend to insert map elements in the data frame associated with. If not, can cause confusion on which one scale bar applies to when there are multiple data frames.

Layouts

• Remember that the data frame zoom tools only work in data frames. To zoom or pan the page layout, use the layout tools (View -> Toolbars -> Layout). AutoCAD uses one pan/zoom tool, works in both Modelspace and Layouts.

Printing

• Good idea to do a print preview on maps to verify correctness
• Before printing, always do a full zoom extent in layout view. There are some issues with scale text elements and doing this fixes the problems. See ESRI Article Number 19076.
• ArcMap converts a layout to EMF format which is then used by the printer driver for printing. To debug printing issues, need to identify if problem with conversion to EMF or problem with the printer. See ESRI Article Number 17783.
• Page Setup window can be opened by right mouse clicking the virtual page in layout view and selecting Page Setup... This doesn't work if right mouse click in the data frame.
• Best to set page size before creating a map, but can be done later. If map elements already added, within the Page Setup window, check "Scale map elements proportionally to changes in page size"
• To make plotter independent maps, within the Page Setup window, uncheck "Same as Printer" and specify paper size in the Width and Height boxes.
• "Show printer margins on Layout" checkbox is dimmed if creating a plotter independent page. If "Same as Printer" is checked, then this option will be available. Knowing printer margins helps when placing map element on the virtual page, nothing will print outside these margins.
• Page Setup: output image quality of best means no resampling of the output image. Downside is a larger file that the printer might not be able to process. Workaround is to use ArcPress Extension.
• "The page setup is important because it affects the size of the features, symbols, labels , and other text, as well as other map elements." (ArcGIS Desktop Help, Setting up the page)
• Virtual page size, by default, is same size as the system printer's default page size.
• "Is it possible to create a user-defined printer margin for an ArcMap Layout? No. Unlike the ArcView GIS application, ArcMap will only display printer-defined margins. This functionality was excluded from ArcMap in an effort to avoid common problems caused by user-defined margins not matching the actual printer margins, which can cause 'clipping' when printed." See ESRI Article Number 22443
• Recommend exporting Map Document to PDF if doing more than one plot over a period of time. Benefit is Adobe Acrobat Reader is free, whereas you must tie up an ArcMap license if all you want to do is print. ArcMap: File -> Export

Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop: Chapter 5 - Symbolizing features and rasters

Symbols and Styles

• Used to mimic nature. Conveys information about real world features on the map.
• Influenced by scale
• Vector symbology: points, polygons, and lines. Raster symbology: change color of cell/pixel.
• Suite of symbols is called a style, think of a style as a palette of symbols
• Styles are a collection of predefined symbols, colors, and other map elements such as labels, north arrows, scale bars, and borders.
• Can be stored in a layer (.lyr) file. Remember data features are not stored in layer, just a reference. Custom symbols are stored in the layer, this is very helpful when distributing file.
• Can export map styles. This allows you to save map elements and symbols from many styles into a single style: Tools -> Styles -> Export Map Styles
• Initially a new map document loads two default styles: ESRI and a windows-generated symbolset with the same name as the user's login. [ESRI Virtual Campus, Learning ArcGIS II, Module 1, Lesson 2, Displaying Layers]
• New styles contain a standard set of symbol and map element folder but they are empty, which is indicated by the white folder icon. Yellow folder implies it contains an element.
• Change Symbology
  • To change color: right mouse click on symbol in TOC
  • Symbol Selector: double click on symbol in TOC
• See ESRI Article Number 18784 if you want to Set ArcMap's legend shade to match transparency
• See ESRI Article Number 17494 for a description of ArcMap's advanced symbology option for transparency by field works only on polygons

Creating Marker Symbols

• Picture Graphic
  • Tools -> Styles -> Style Manager. In Marker Symbol, right mouse click on open space aeld value, Layer Properties -> Symbology. Categories - Unique values, Advanced button - rotation field

Symbols by Attributes

• Categorical/Qualitative/Descriptive Attributes: usually text but may be numbers if the numbers are codes standing for descriptions (e.g. landuse, zoning, etc.)
• Quantitative Attributes: measurements or counts of features (e.g. area, population, etc.)
• See ESRI Article Number 22897 for discussion on how to Rotate point labels by an attribute field and offset them so that labels are placed on top the points

Using Spatial Analyst in ArcMap to create an elevation relief

• Separate extension to ArcMap
• Need 3 things to run the extension: 1) install the software, 2) turn on the extension: Tools -> Extensions -> check Spatial Analyst, and 3) turn on the toolbar: View -> Toolbars -> Spatial Analyst
• See [Ormsby 01, p. 115-125] for discuss on symbolizing raster images. Recommend using the ArcMap Color Ramp Elevation #1 for Shaded Reliefs (to see the name of the color ramp, right mouse click on the shading and toggle off Graphic View). Sample grids: c:\GTKArcGIS\Chapter05\Data\afhorndem and c:\GTLArcGIS\Chapter05\Data\afhornshd
• Hillshade
  • From the Spatial Analyst Toolbar: Surface Analyst -> Hillshade...
  • Can use Sunangle website to determine the Azimuth Angle and Altitude angle of the sun in Las Vegas NV (lat=36 degrees north, long=115 degrees west). US Pacific Time Zone is -8:00 (U (GMT - 8:00). Elevation is around 600meters or 2000ft. Azimuth angle is given from south, so -45 degrees is the same as 180 + 45 = 225 degrees from the North, this is the value the Hillshade command wants. 45 degrees is the same as 180 - 45 = 135 degrees should be enter in the Hillshade command.
  • Elevation layer should be above the hillshade layer in the TOC. Elevation Top Layer, Hillshade Bottom Layer. Make the elevation layer 70% transparent.
  • double click the Elevation layer to open the Select Color Ramp window. Right mouse click the color ramp symbols and turn off graphic view. Select Elevation #1 color ramp.
• Note: if image file is in a different projection, remember that ArcMap can project raster images on the fly. So, ensure the Data Frame project is the one you desire, then add the raster data, ArcMap will reproject it automatically.

USGS Digital Elevation Model (DEM)

• USGS National Elevation Dataset
• Shaded Relief of North America
• How to Mosaic multiband images using ArcGIS and Spatial Analyst, see ESRI Article Number 22005
• What GRID functions can be used in the Raster Calculator, see ESRI Article Number 21488
• Using command line GRID requests in ArcGIS Spatial Analyst, see ESRI Article Number 19415
• Create a single image from an HSV gridcomposite, see ESRI Article Number 14675
• What is a DEM? see ESRI Article Number 18950
• In the past, could download individual DEMs from ftp://edcftp.cr.usgs.gov/pub/data/DEM-SDTS/ but for some reason this directory is empty

USGS National Elevation Dataset

• "The USGS National Elevation Dataset (NED) has been developed by merging the highest-resolution, best-quality elevation data available across the United States into a seamless raster format." ( NED homepage)
• Obtain NED for the State of Nevada from Rita Carmen, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Division of State Lands. 333 W Nye Lane, Room 118. Carson City NV 89706. Voice: 775-687-4365x227. Fax: 775-687-3783. Email: rcarman@govmail.state.nv.us
• Clark County Nevada: 36115=Area31. 36114=Area30. 35115=Area35. 35114=Area34. 36115 (Lat=36, Long=-115, Area31=name of directory the ArcGIS DEMGRID file is stored in on the CDROM obtain from Rita)
• USGS NED Shaded Relief Imagery Data available from ESRI ArcData Just zoom into desired area, then web page program will create either a TIFF image or ArcInfo GRID of the area. File will be zipped (.zip) and downloaded automatically.

Class 6 Homework

ESRI Virtual Campus: Learning ArcGIS I

• Module 5 of 6: Querying your Database in ArcGIS

Reading Assignment

• Getting to Know ArcGIS desktop: Chapters 6 and 7.

Homework

• Make an 8.5" x 11" plot. Include the following map elements: Margin Neatline, Company Logo, Title, Scale bar, Legend, North Arrow, Source Statement, and Project Coordinate Info.
• Data Frame will include the clarktrs shapefiles (clarktrs_p.shp, clarktrs_p.dbf, clarktrs_p.shx, clarktrs_p.prj), or the clarkbk geodatabase (TownshipRangeSection.mdb) Using the automatic labels, label each Section, Township/Range, or Book Number. (in the TOC, right-click the CLARKBK layer and click Label Features. Use the BKNO field for the label)
• Turn in next week

Class 7: Thursday, 27 Feb 2003

Guest Speakers(s)

none

Last Week Shaded Reliefs

• Copy files off CDROM being passed around class
• clarkdem.tif is a shaded relief tiff image created in ArcInfo Workstation, using the GRID module
• NED directory contains the USGS National Elevation Dataset for Clark County. Format is ArcInfo GRID.
• cc directory is a mosaic of the NED grids into one dataset using ArcGIS Spatial Analyst (performed by Ching).

Paper Size

• Standard Paper Size Descriptions
• ISO 216 (Metric) Engineering
  • Based on ratio 1:√ 2 (1:1.4142)
  • Basic size of metric paper is one square meter, which is the area of an AO sheet of metric paper. See Stock Solution
  • AO size folded once is A1 size, folded twice is A2 size, folded thrice is A3 size, and so on until A8 size. International Standard Paper Sizes
• ANSI (English) Engineering
  • E Size (34"x44") folded once is D size (22"x34"), folded twice is C size (17"x22"), folded thrice is B size (11"x17") and lastly folded 4 times is A size (8.5"x11"). F size (28"x40") is an exception.
  • Tend to use A and B sizes in Engineering offices, sometimes D size.
  • D size rolls have to special ordered. Standard plotter paper rolls come in 24", 30", and 36" widths
  • Cleanly reduce a D size to B size. Sometimes referred as half-size plots.
• Architectural/ARCH
  • E size (36"x48") folded once is D size (24"x36"), folded twice is C size (18"x24"), folded thrice is B size (12"x18") and lastly folded 4 times is A size (9"x12")
  • Tend to use ARCH D size in engineering offices
• Paper Size Requirements
  • "The Contractor shall furnish five (5) blueline and one (1) mylar reproducible set of cabinet schematic wiring diagrams 24 inches x 36 inches in size, multiple sheets may be used." (RTC Section 623). Mylar is the DuPont Product name for polyester film white matte.
  • "All drainage plan submittals must be on sheet size 24"x36"." (Clark County Development Services)
  • Plan sheet size is 24"x36" with 0.5" margins except 1.5" on left edge. (see City of Las Vegas Standard Plan Guidelines and Design Layout for Land Development Projects, Nov 1998 p. 7)
  • "A record of survey must be ... 24 by 32 inches. A marginal line must be drawn completely around each sheet, leaving an entirely blank margin of 1 inch at the top, bottom and right edges, and 2 inches at the left edge along the 24-inch dimension." (NRS 625.350)
  • "The size of each sheet of the final map must be 24 by 32 inches." (NRS 278.372 Final map: Requirements and contracts)
  • "Each sheet of the originals shall be twenty-four (24) inches by thirty-two (32) inches..." (Title 30 Clark County Unified Development Code, p. 30.28-19)
  • "Each sheet of paper...used for the map shall be 18 by 26 inches in size..." (California Codes Streets and Highways Codes Section 3110 (b))

Raster Image Processor (RIP)

• Fancy plotter driver that improves the speed and quality of a final plot
• ESRI's ArcPress
• EasyCopy Gold from autoGraph international

Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop: Chapter 6 - Classifying features and rasters

Classifying Features and Rasters

• Basically divide attribute values into groups/classes to graphically view on a map.
• Map Legends are based on classes
• Feature attributes are typically categroical (e.g. text field, such as a State name) or quantitative (e.g. numeric field, such as population of a state)
• This chapter focuses on Quantitative attributes.

Quantitative Scaled Symbology

• Graduate Color - this is a color ramp, applies to polygons, won't work well with points or lines. (See ESRI Article Number 20653 on How to apply a color range to a portion of symbols in ArcMap.
• Graduate Symbol - different marker size, applies to points, lines, & polygons.
• Proportional Symbol - vary in size proportionally to the value symbolized.
• Dot Density - applies to polygons only. (see ESRI Article Number 17472 Dot density symbology previews can be incorrect.

Classification methods

• Allows one to see where attribute values reside in relation to one another
• Best way to lie with maps, see [Ormsby 01, p. 137]
• To use classification methods, which isn't available in Categories: In TOC, select Layer's Properties, in Symbology tab: Quantities
• Six classification methods [Ormsby 01, p. 129]. Max number of classes allowed by ArcGIS is 256.
  • Natural Breaks (Jenks)- creates classes according to clusters and gaps in the data
  • Equal Interval- creates classes of equal value ranges. If range of values is 1 to 100 and the number of classes is 4, this method will create classes with the following values: 1-25, 26-50, 51-75, and 76-100. Scheme divides the range of attribute values into equal-sized subranges.
  • Defined Interval- creates the number of classes based on the interval you choose. For example, range of values is 1 to 100 and you select 2 intervals, will have classes from 1-50, and 51-100.
  • Quantile- creates classes containing equal numbers of features. "The Quantile method places breaks so that each class contains an approximately equal count of values. (In other words, each class includes about the same number of features.)" [Ormsby 01, p. 137] If you choose 5 classes for a layer with 100 features, this method will create class breaks so that 20 features fall into each class.
  • Standard Deviation- creates classes according to a specified number of standard deviations from the mean.
  • Manual- set whatever class breaks you like.
  • See online help, under contents tab: ArcMap -> Symbolizing your data -> Standard classification schemes

Understanding Classification Histogram

• ArcMap Layer Properties -> Symbology tab: Show Classified: click the Classify button under Classification, Quantile
• X-axis (horizontal) shows the range of values in the field
• Y-axis (vertical) gives the count of features (number of records in database)
• Vertical blue lines are class breaks. Value on the X-axis is shown on top of blue line.
• Value Range = Max Value - Min Value
• If you move the blue lines, changes the classification to manual. Click on the histogram to add a new class break. Right mouse click on the blue line to remove the class break.
• Value of one gray histogram column = value range / number of columns
• Gray column range: 10-100
• Data Exclusion: enter a list of values you don't want included in the map. For example: 1, 3, 5-12
• Gray columns represent percentages of the value range. 1 column implies all the data (100%) lies in the single column (since this wouldn't be of any help in dettween them. [Ormsby 01, p. 149]
• Used to determine population densities.
• In past had to create a new attribute field
• Create in Layer Properties, under Quantities (Graduate colors, Graduated symbols, or Proportional symbols), add a field to the Normalization drop down box.
• 1 Acre = 43560 square feet
• 640 acres = 1 square mile
• 1 square mile = 27878400 square feet
• Street Centerline based block groups (SBG). Metadata, sbg.e00
• Add a new field to the SBG coverage.
  • Open the SBG attribute table in the TOC. Click the Options button, select Add Field...
  • Field name: SQMile
  • Use a field type Double, Precision 10 (number of digits that can be stored in the field) and Scale 4 (number of decimal places for float and double fields, more commonly known has the mantissa). Scale of 0 is the same has an integer. Rule of thumb, precision greater than 6, use a Double type, otherwise use a Float type. (See ArcGIS Desktop Help -> ArcGIS -> Geodatabase items: Field properties)bid=20880">ESRI Article Number 20880, How to set default layer symbology in ArcMap.

Class 7 Homework

ESRI Virtual Campus: Learning ArcGIS I

• Module 6 of 6: Presenting Data in ArcGIS

Reading Assignment

• Getting to Know ArcGIS desktop: Chapter 7
• Turn in 2 questions on what you think the book is discussing in this chapter. Write the questions on paper with your name, "Class 7 Home Assignment-Chapter 7", and date due (1 week from assigned). Turn in at the beginning of class next week.

Homework

• Convert the Street Centerline Based Block Groups (SBG) coverage into a personal geodatabase. Metadata, sbg.e00
  • Use ArcToolbox to convert the SBG.e00 interchange format to an ArcInfo coverage.
  • Use ArcCatalog to create a personal geodatabase and convert the coverage to a standalone feature class.
• Make an 8.5" x 11" plot. Use the Census Block data (SBG geodatabase) to create a popluation density map. One data frame is based on Graduate colors, the other data frame is Graduate symbols. Both are found under the Quantities category on the Layer Properties Symbology tab. Add a title and text with your name, homework assignment number, class number, and date assigned. Add map element of north arrow, scale bar and map legend. Create or copy a company logo, add it to the layout as a picture. Homework due next week.

Class 8: 6 Mar 2003

Guest Speakers(s)

none

Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop: Chapter 7 - Labeling features

Text and Labeling

• Text- also known as Static Text, tends to be something you type. [Ormsby 01, p. 190]
• Labeling- tend to come from values in an attribute table.
• Dynamic Labeling
• Interactive (By Pointing) Labeling
• Annotation Group- set of text graphics that is stored in the map document
• Annotation Feature Class- set of text graphics that is stored in a geodatabase
• Feature-linked Annotation-
• Coverage Annotation

Text

• Text associated with a map feature should be added to the data frame.
• Text representing an element on the map layout (e.g. a title) should be added to the layout.
• Cannot turn text elements on/off
• ArcMap: Insert -> Text or can be inserted using the Drawing Toolbar
• Select text elements using the Select Graphic/Elements (black arrow button). Dashed blue line indicates the text element is selected.
  • Can now use the drawing toolbar to change the font and size of the selected text.
  • A single click on the text element, or right mouse click and select properties, will allow you to change the text value
• Using the Drawing Toolbar: Drawing > Default Symbol Properties... to change the text style that is used when insert new text (Insert -> Text). Changing the text style on the Drawing toolbar will not change the default symbol when inserting text. Feel this is a poor software design.
• Text Element Types
• Horizontal Line- Button with a black capital A
• Splined Text
• Callout Box Text
• Label Text- Interactive (By Pointing) Labeling
• To edit the text value, double click the element with the Select Graphics button then type a new value.

Dynamic Labeling

• "Broadly speaking, a label is any text that names or describes a feature on a map" [Ormsby 01, p. 169]
• "In ArcMap, labels specifically represent values in a layer attribute table." [Ormsby 01, p. 169]
• "Cannot be selected or individually modified" [Ormsby 01, p. 168]
• ArcMap will adjust the label placement to avoid overlaps.
• To edit the text style: in TOC, open the Layer Properties -> Labels tab: Symbol... button
• To edit which attribute field will be used by ArcMap to create the dynamic label: in TOC, open the Layer Properties -> Labels tab: Label Field drop down box.
• If the attribute value requires additional information, for example a unit of measurement: in TOC, open the Layer Properties -> Labels tab: Expression... button
• Can use JavaScript or VBScript Parser
• JavaScript: [AREA] + " ft<SUP>2</SUP>"
• VBScript: [AREA] & " ft<SUP>2</SUP>"
• Can have a single label for multiple features which is helpful for Hawaii islands. Layer Properties -> Labels tab: Label Placement Options..., "Place one label per feature"
• Bug in software, labels will not recognize text symbols that are rotated. Currently being worked on by ESRI, reference CQ00096554. Work around for labeling points.
• Can set to display at a certain scale in addition to layer setting. Layer Properties -> Labels tab: Scale Range... button
• Label a subset of features - using the Layer Properties dialog, can create a class representing a subset of the features, then create a SQL expression to select the features you want to be in the class. [See ESRI Virtual Campus -> Learning ArcGIS II -> Working with Labels and Annotation -> Lesson 1]
• On the Data Frame properties, choose Set Reference Scale to lock the size of labels by assigning fixed dimensions instead of units based on the map scale.
• Label Layers
  • Labels features based on their attributes
  • Labels dynamically adjust depending on map scale to fit the available space
  • Turn on/off labels from the Layer properties -> Labels tab: "Label Features in this layer" checkbox or right mouse click on layer in TOC, select "Label Features"

Interactive (By Pointing) Labeling

• Use the Drawing Toolbar, Label button to selectively add a label

Annotation

• ArcInfo Coverage Annotation
  • Use the "\" backslash to make stacked text
  • When converting Coverage Annotation to Feature Class Annotation, ArcMap treats a "\" as a line feed character to stack the text. See ESRI Article# 24235
  • "The annotation class into which you convert your coverage annotation must exist in the geodatabase before you perform the conversion. You can create a new annotation class using ArcCatalog." [ArcGIS Desktop Help: Working with geodatabases -> Managing annotation -> Converting cover annotation to geodatabase annotation]
  • (see ESRI Article #11878 to Import annotation from a coverage into a geodatabase)
• Annotation Groups
  • "Text and graphics you draw on top of your data using the tools in the Draw toolbar are collectively known as annotation. This includes text that you draw by typing it with the Text button, Splined Text, Callout Text, or by clicking a feature with the Label Features tool;" [ArcGIS Desktop Help: ArcMap -> Labeling maps with text and graphics -> Organizing annotation into groups]
  • "Annotation refers either to the process of automating text placement, or to the text itself." [ArcGIS Desktop Help: Working with geodatabases -> Managing annotation -> About managing annotation]
  • Data Frame Properties -> Annotation tab
  • All annotation is added to the Default Group Name. Can change the Active Annotation Target from the Drawing menu in the Draw Toolbar. Select New Annotation Target... or Active Annotation Target
  • Can associate an annotation group with a layer, if the layer is turned off, so is the annotation group
  • Stored in the map document (.mxd)
  • Annotation groups that already exist can't be associated with a layer.
• GeoDatabase Annotation
  • Feature-linked Annotation: associated with a specific feature in another feature class (origin class) in the geodatabase. The Text (destination) reflects the value of a field in another feature. So, moving the origin will also move the destination feature-linked annotation.
  • Nonfeature-linked Annotation: geographically placed text strings that are not associated with features in the geodatabase. For example text on a map for a mountain range.
  • "An annotation feature class stored in a geodatabase is actually a polygon feature class that describes a path for a text string to be displayed along. Annotation feature classes have attributes that define how the text is to be displayed." [ESRI Virtual Campus -> Learning ArcGIS II -> Lesson 2 -> Storing annotation as a feature class]
  • "A fast way to create textual annotation is to convert existing feature labels." [ESRI Virtual Campus -> Learning ArcGIS II -> Lesson 2 -> Summary]
  • Store annotation in a map if its a one time application. If it will be reused, store in a feature class in the geodatabase.
  • Stacked annotation displays on one line, see ESRI Article# 21770
  • How to change the font and size of geodatabase annotation, see ESRI Article Number 15053
  Select all the annotation you want to change in ArcMap using the Select Elements button (black arrow)
  Start an ArcMap edit session
  Select desired size or font from the Draw toolbar
  save edits

Placing Labels

• Layer Properties -> Labels tab: Label Placement Options... button
• Different Placement Property Options based on:
  • Polygons
    • Automatically placed at polygon centroid
  • Polylines
    • Can be placed above, centered on line or below line
    • Can be splined, checkbox "Produce labels that follow the curve of the line" under the placement properties.
    • Angle: Along the line, Horizontal, or Perpendicular
    • Bug trying to create a stacked label with spline option.
  • Points
    • 8 possible positions
    • Label can be placed at an angle. This is the work around for bug in software (unable to recognize text symbols that are rotated)
    • Priority: 0=no label, 1=highest, and 3=lowest
    • Several different Label Locations available (e.g. Top Right Only, Bottom Right Only, etc.)

ArcMap Formatting tags

• ArcMap text formatting tags follow XML syntax rules. Each starting tag must have a corresponding end tag
• The & and < are special characters so you might want to use the equivalent character codes &amp; and <lt;
• Where in ArcMap can I use the text formatting tags? ESRI Article ID 21192
• AutoCAD uses '%%d' to insert a degree symbol. See ESRI Article# 14454 on converting in ArcInfo
• ISO Latin-1 Charater Set, ISO Latin-1 Character Set alternate link, and additional symbols can type the Decimal Code in the text window and ArcMap will translate into the appropriate character/symbol
• Examples: Copyright symbol is &#169; the degree sign is &#176;
[Musciano 00, p. 627-632]
• To copy and paste special symbols in Windows XP. Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Character Map

Stacked Labels and more

• Layer Properties -> Labels tab: Expression... button
• Concatenate operator for JavaScript is " + " and for VBScript is " & "
• New line character for JavaScript is " \n " and for VBScript is " vbNewLine "
• Enclose text strings in double quotes
• Can easily add a unit using expressions which is better than adding the label to the attribute table. For example [Area] + " sq ft" and assume area = 20 then the label will display 20 sq ft

Label Methods

• Label all the features the same way
• Define classes of features and label each class differently
  • Add a new class for different styles
  • Use SQL Query to create subset of labels

Label Priorities

• Features in layers and classes with a higher priority will be labeled over those with a lower priority
• Because label priority setting affects multiple layers, it's a property of the data frame, not an individual layer
• Data Frame Properties -> Labels tab

Sample Data

• Clark County Assessor Parcel coverage for Book 163 Section 02
  • cd16302.e00
  • ll16302.e00
  • pl16302.e00
  • re16302.e00
• Annotation for Clark County Street Centerline coverage, sclan.e00 and metadata
• Incorporated Cities in Clark County, sclcity.e00 and metadata

Class 8 Homework

ESRI Virtual Campus: Learning ArcGIS II

• Module 1 of 6

Reading Assignment

• Getting to Know ArcGIS desktop: Chapters 8 and 9
• Turn in 2 questions on what you think the book is discussing in this chapter. Write the questions on paper with your name, "Class 8 Home Assignment-Chapter 7", and date due (1 week from assigned). Turn in at the beginning of class next week.

Homework

• Make an 8.5" x 11" plot. Make a plot of the County Assessor Parcel Layer for Book 163 Section 02. Label each parcel with the lot size (fieldname AREA) in square feet and the Assessor Parcel Number (APN)-the fieldname is PARCEL-(stack the dynamic label text, include units on lot size). Add the SCL coverage annotation for the street names. Include a vicinity map with sclcity layer. Add normal marginial. Homework due next week.

Class 9: Thursday, 13 Mar 2003

Guest Speakers(s)

none

Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop: Chapter 8 - Querying Data

5 ways to query

• Identifying Features
• Selecting Features Interactively
• Selecting Features by Attributes
• Selecting Features by Location (discuss later in Chapter 10 of [Ormsby 01])
• Finding Features

Identify

• use the mouse to query feature attributes
• will identify features in non-active data frames
• will not identify features on layers that have been turned off
• Not useful in comparing multiple features
• Icon found on the Tools toolbar
• features in all visible layers under the pointer will be identified. Solves issue of overlapping features.
• Displays all fields with it's values/attributes of the identified feature. Not like Map Tips which only display attributes of one field.
• Identify Results Window
  • Layers Drop-Down List: lets you pick the layer whose features you are identifying. All layers option results in multiple features identified
  • Left Box: shows identified layers. Select layer's feature value to flash location in map.
  • Right Scrolling Box: attribute values of the identified layers
• Can "flash" the feature in the map display by clicking the name of the feature on the left pane in the Identify Results window
• Use Selection Options to specify pixel tolerance

Selecting Features Interactively

• on Tools toolbar, click the Select Features tool
• Use mouse to select features one at a time or by dragging a box around/through them.
• Selecting a record in the feature's attribute table will also highlight/select the feature in the map display.
• Selection -> Interactive Selection Method
  • Create New Selection: select features
  • Add to Current Selection: aselect features (holding down shift key when clicking with mouse replicates this)
  • Remove from Current Selection: unselect features (holding down shift key when clicking with mouse replicates this)
  • Select from Current Selection: reselect features
• To view attributes of selected features, right mouse click on the layer in the TOC and Open Attribute Table. Note to change color of selected records, click Options button on lower right corner and click Appearance...

Selecting Features by Attribute

• used to select features that meet specified conditions
• Selection -> Select By Attributes...
• Queries written in Structured Query Language (SQL) or can use Query Wizard... button in top right corner of Select by Attributes window.
• Double click values in the Fields and Samples section to populate SQL window, single SQL operator.
• Use SQL Info... button to identify reserved words, if string comparisons are case sensitive, etc.
• Verify button will check to see if using proper syntax
• SQL expressions
  • Fields
    • "AREA" enclose in double quotes if data source is ArcInfo coverage, shapefile, INFO table, or dBASE table
    • [AREA] enclose in square brackets if data source is a personal geodatabase
    • AREA don't enclose field if using a shared geodatabase
  • Strings
    • 'Nevada' enclose strings with single quotes or double quotes, just don't mix (e.g. open statement with single quote then attempt to close with a double quote)
    • strings are case-sensitive for coverages, shapefiles, INFO tables, dBASE tables and shared geodatabases. Note: the LIKE operator is not case-sensitive, so it will find 'NEVADA' and 'nevada'
    • Wildcards: '_' and '%' works for everything but personal geodatabases (i.e. coverage, shapefile, INFO table, dBase table, or Entreprise GeoDatabase).
    • Wildcards: '?' and '*' is used by Jet SQL, namely personal geodatabases (same for Windows command prompt). Note, won't work if using the = operator on strings.
    • Wildcards: '#' will match a single digit.
    • GeoDataBase (GDB): Cannot use wildcards (e.g. %, *) with the = operator (the wildcard character will be considered part of the string)
      • Return 0 records: SELECT * FROM PavementPolygons WHERE [SECT_NO] = 'BLM*';
      • Return 392 records: SELECT * FROM PavementPolygons WHERE [SECT_NO] LIKE 'BLM*';
    • Find a Range of Characters ([Bagui 02, p. 139])
    • Use the LIKE operator
    • [STRDIR] LIKE "[E,S]" will find all records that have a street direction of East or South
    • [GRADE] LIKE "[A-C]" will find all students with an A, B, or C grade
    • [GRADE] LIKE "[!A-C]" will find all students that DO NOT have an A, B, or C grade
    • [GRADE] NOT LIKE "[A-C]" will find all students that DO NOT have an A, B, or C grade
    • [SEGNUM] LIKE "0[1-5]" will find all segment numbers 01, 02, 03, 04, and 05
    • [SEGNUM] LIKE "0#" will find all segment numbers 01, 02, ..., 08, 09.
  • Comparison Operators: <, >, <=, >=, and <>
  • IN operator is used to search for several strings in a field, e.g. STATE_NAME IN ('NEVADA', 'UTAH', 'IDAHO')
    • Cannot use wildcards with the IN operator
    • [SEGNUM] IN ('0#', '10') will only return records with a value of 10, not 01, 02, and so on
  • to exclude, use NOT operator
  • to combine, use AND operator
  • see ArcGIS Desktop Help -> ArcMap -> Querying maps -> Building an SQL expression

Finding Features

• Another fast way to search
• Creates a selection set that can be used to display attributes, statistics, create reports, create graphs, or export to a new feature class.
• Use with Identify tool by right mouse clicking on the results of the find and selecting "Identify feature(s)".
• Edit -> Find: Features tab
• String is NOT case sensitive if you check "Find features that are similar to or contain the search string"
• String is case sensitive if DO NOT check "Find features that are similar to or contain the search string"
• Don't use any wildcard characters in the Find dialog box
• Can search a single feature database field or the entire feature database.
• Doesn't work on non-spatial tables

Selectable Layers

use Selection -> Set Selectable Layers... to turn on/off layers that can be selected

Selection Options

use to change how objects are manually selected when dragging a box, that is passthru or within. Last option is to select polygons that enclose the box

Hyperlinks

• gives ability to link documents or web pages to a feature
• must use the Hyperlink tool in the Tools toolbar
• Linked features will be outlined in blue when the Hyperlink tool is active for polygons and drawn in blue for lines and points.
• Map tip showing the link will popup when you hover the mouse over the linked feature
• 3 types of hyperlinks
  • Document- when clicked, will open a file using the application that the file type is currently associated with
  • URL- web page will be launched in the default web brower
  • Macro- ability to create customized hyperlink behavior
• How to define hyperlinks
  • Field-based hyperlinks- in Layer Properties -> Display tab, check the Support Hyperlinks check box. The link is just an attribute value in the table. Of course the hyperlink field must be defined as a text. Specify fieldname in the box.
    • Hyperlink Base: File -> Map Properties. "This makes it easier to manage hyperlinks because if the location of the targets changes can simply edit this one setting instead of having to edit each value of the field providing the hyperlink targets." [ArcMap online help] Basically allows relative web pages.
  • Dynamic hyperlinks
    • stores the names of the targets with the layer in the map
    • Hyperlink Base setting has no effect on dynamic hyperlinks
    • use Identify tool, then right mouse click on the feature and choose Add Hyperlink. Use same method to edit, manage, or delete links.
    • Layer must be visible in TOC
    • Benefits, associate metadata and/or company website with data

Creating Reports

• ArcMap built-in reporting tool
  • Can create a report based on select records (select some features then Tools -> Reports -> Create Report... Fields tab, check Use Selected Set)
  • Can change the Field name displayed in the Report (Tools -> Reports -> Create Report... Display tab, Settings: Fields: select a field: enter name to display in Text property)
  • Can change the width of a field in the Report (Tools -> Reports -> Create Report... Display tab, Settings: Fields: select a field: enter a numeric value in the Width property)
  • Can change report in Landscape or Portrait mode (Tools -> Reports -> Create Report... Display tab, Settings: Report: Page Setup)
  • stored with map
  • can be added to map layout only. Copy the report to the clipboard, then Edit -> Paste.
  • Reports are divided into a series of sections. Each section represents a particular area of the report.
  • Shade the records in the report by: Report Properties -> Display tab. Under the Settings section of the window, click the + box next to Report -> Records -> Shade Records -> Every Other
  • Add title of report under the Elements section, Title -> Text
  • Saving a report creates a static copy that can be inserted into another map document.
• Seagate's Crystal Reports 8: creates report in a separate window that cannot be added to your map layout. Can also be used to create mailing labels, see Article Number 18911

Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop: Chapter 9 - Joining and relating tables

Database Relationships

• Cardinality- "describes how many objects of one type are related to an object of another type" [ESRI Virtual Campus- Working with Attributes in ArcGIS Lesson 2]
• one-to-one: one parcel can have one parcel id. Use Table joins. Read as destination table-to-source table.
• one-to-many: one parcel can have many owners. Use Relate joins. Using a Table join will omit all records after the first match. Example application is building occupancy, one building such as a shopping center may be occupied by many tenants. Another example is soil types.
• many-to-one: many parcels can have one owner. Use Table joins. Another example is lookup tables such as landuse codes.
• many-to-many: many parcels can have many different owners. Use Relate joins. Using a Table join will omit all records after the first match.

Relate Tables

• to setup: right mouse click on layer name in the TOC and select "Joins and Relates" -> "Relate". Fill in correct table name and Primary Keys (PK).
• Unable to query with the related table with "Select By Attributes" from the menu toolbar. To query the table first need to Open the table, then using the Options -> "Select By Attributes" can perform a query on the related table. Then use Options -> Related Tables to view the map features.
• relates have more overhead than joins.
• When selecting records, the records in the relate table are not automatically selected. See ESRI Article Number 17714.

Join Tables

• Appends the attributes from one onto the other based on a field common to both tables
• To make a permanent join, export the data to a new dataset (right-click the layer in the table of contents, point to Data, and click Export data).
• Cannot edit joined tables directly, need to edit the source. Changes to the source will be reflected in the joined tables.
• To create a join: right-click the layer you want to join in the TOC, point to "Joins and Relates" and click "Join". Helpful if the join table is already in the TOC but can always click the Browse button to search for it.
• Can query the joined fields directly.
• More commonly used over relates.
• Destination/Primary Table- typically the attribute table for the spatial theme, table to which the fields from the source table will be appended
• Source/Secondary Table-typically contains descriptive attributes

Sample Data

• Clark County Assessor Parcel coverage for Book 163 Section 19
  • pcl16319.shp
  • pcl16319.dbf
  • pcl16319.shx
  • pcl16319.prj
  • Assessor Parcel Coverage Metadata
• Clark County Assessor's AOEXTRACT file for Book 163 Section 19
  • aox16319.dbf
  • Secured Tax Roll Extract: AOEXTRACT metadata
  • AOEXTRACT Appendix Attribute Codes
  • Assessor Land Use Attribute Codes
• Notes
  • To identify vacant land, LANDUSE = 0 (technically LUUSE=0). If using a Select by Attributes query in ArcMap, to help find the LANDUSE field in the many fields included in the AOEXTRACT file, scroll toward the middle.
  • LANDUSE code is a 6 digit number.
    • Field 1: Source Code (1=Residential, 2=Industrial, 3=Commercial, and so on)
    • Fields 2 & 3: Use Code (10=Single Family Resident, 20=Duplex, 30=Triplex, 40=Fourplex, 50=Apartments, and so on for Residential Source code only). Fieldname in database is LUUSE
    • Field 4: Auxiliary Code
    • Field 5: Secondary Auxiliary Code
    • Field 6: Pool Count
  • Relate Field (Primary Key) is the PARCEL number

Class 9 Homework

ESRI Virtual Campus: Learning ArcGIS II

• Module 2 of 5: Working with Labels and Annotation

Reading Assignment

• Getting to Know ArcGIS desktop: Chapter 10 and 11

Homework

• Make an 8.5" x 11" plot. For the main data frame, use the Assessor Parcel data for Book 163 Section 19 (i.e. pcl16319.shp). Join the AOEXTRACT database for Book 163 Section 19 (aox16319.dbf) to the shapefile. Create a thematic map showing landuse, that is vacant land, residential and commerical parcels. Create a report showing the address and last sales price of a few parcels. Report should have a title. Remember the report is treated as a graphic element in the map layout. Include a vicinity map using the scl cities coverage from last week. Add a map title and text with your name, homework assignment number, and date assigned (i.e. 13 Mar 2003). Add map element of north arrow. Add a Legend map element. Create or copy a company logo, add it to the layout as a picture. Homework due in 2 weeks.
• Enjoy your spring break

Class 10: Thursday, 27 Mar 2003

Guest Speakers(s)

none

Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop: Chapter 10 - Selecting features by location

Spatial Relationships

• Distance
  • features of one dataset are within a specified distance of the features of another dataset
• Containment
  • centers of features in one dataset fall inside the features of another dataset
  • features of one dataset fall within the selected features of another dataset
  • features of one dataset completely contain the selected features of another dataset
• Intersection
  • features of one dataset cross features of another dataset
  • shared features
• Adjacency
  • features of one dataset share either a point or a line with the selected features of another dataset

Select by Location

• Used to select features based on their location relative to other features. [See ArcGIS Desktop Help -> ArcMap -> Selecting features according to their location]
• Can select point, line, or polygon features in one layer that are near or overlap features in another layer
• I want to
  • Select features from
  • Add to the currently selected features in
  • Remove from the currently selected features in
  • Select from the currently selected features in
• that (Selection Methods)
  • Intersect
    • selects any features bordered by the reference features. Will select features alongside it.
    • "...selects any features bordered by the reference features. For example, selecting wilderness areas intersected by roads will select any wilderness area with a road running within its boundaries or alongside it." (see reference below)
  • Are within a distance of
    • selects features near or adjacent to features in the same layer or in a different layer. Use this method for the homework assignment. With the roadcasing parcel selected, to get info about the adjacent parcels, would select within a zero distance.
    • "This method selects features near or adjacent to features in the same layer or in a different layer. For example, if you have a layer of clean and polluted wells, you can find all the clean wells within 500 meters of the polluted ones. Or you could find the reservoirs and farms in other layers that are within 500 meters of the polluted wells. You can also use this option to find features adjacent to other features. For example, you may have already selected land parcels that your company might purchase, and now you want to get information about adjacent parcels. In this case, you would select the parcels within zero distance of the ones you've already selected." (ibid)
  • Completely contain
    • reverse of the previous.
    • "You can select polygons in one layer that completely contain the features in another layer. For example, select forested areas that have lakes completely within them. To select polygons that completely contain features a certain distance within them, specify a buffer distance. For example, you can select forested areas with lakes at least 500 meters within them." (ibid)
  • Are completely within
    • select features in one layer that fall completely inside the polygons of another. Can add a buffer distance to select features that are within another and a certain distance from the boundary.
    • "This method selects features in one layer that fall completely inside the polygons of another. For example, you can select lakes completely within a forested area. To select features that are a distance form the edges of the polygon they fall inside, specify a buffer distance. For example, you can select lakes that are at least 500 meters within a forested area."
  • Have their center in
    • selects the polygon features in one layer that have their centroid in the polygon features of another layer.
    • "This method selects the polygon features in one layer that have the centroid in the polygon features of another layer." (ibid)
  • Share a line segment with
    • selects line and polygon features that share line segments with other features. Cannot be used to select point features.
    • "this method selects line and polygon features that share line segments with other features. You can't use this method to select point features." (ibid)
  • Touch the boundary of
    • selects lines and polygons that share line segments, vertices or end-points with the lines in the layer. Lines and polygons will not be selected if they cross the lines in the layer.
    • "If you are selecting features using a lyaer containing lines, this method selects lines and polygons that share line segments, vertices or end-points (nodes) with the lines in the layer. The lines and polygons will not be selected if they cross the lines in the layer. If you are selecting features using a layer containing polygons, this method selects lines and polygons that share line segments or vertices with the polygon boundaries. The lines and polygons will not be selected if they cross the polygon boundaries. You can't use this method to select point features." (ibid)
  • Are identical to
    • selects any feature having the same geometry as a feature of another layer
    • "This method selects any feature having the same geometry as a feature of another layer. The feature types must be the same-for example, you use polygons to select polygons, lines to select lines, and points to select points." (ibid)
  • Are crossed by the outline of
    • selects features that are overlapped by features of another layer.
    • "This method selects the features that are overlapped by the features of another layer. For example, selecting wilderness areas crossed by the outline of roads will select any wilderness area with a road inside its boundaries." (ibid)
  • Contain
    • similar to Completely contain but allows borders to touch.
    • "This method selects features in one layer that contain the features of another. This method differs from the Completely contain method in that the boundaries of the features can touch. For example, with the Contain method, a forest will contain a lake-and thus be selected-even if the border of the lake touches the border of the forest. The forest would not be selected using Completely contain because the borders touch." (ibid)
  • Are contained by
    • reverse of contain.
    • "This method selects features in one layer that are contained by the features in another. For example, you can select those cities that are contained by a county. This method differs from Are completely within in that the edges of the features can touch." (ibid)
• From menu toolbar: Selection -> Select by Location
• Note, sample pictures for the 'Completely contain' and 'Are Completely within' methods are switched. See Article Number 20037.
• Use Selected Features checkbox: allows you to query on a subset of features.
• Apply a buffer to the features: combines two steps into one, buffer the feature then perform select by location.
• ArcGIS Desktop -> ArcMap -> Querying maps -> Selecting features according to their location

Definition Queries

• Use to display specific features in a layer without having to create a new layer.
• Efficient way to display a subset of the source data
• "A definition query resembles an attribute query in that you write an expression to find features with particular attributes. The difference is that features satisfying an attribute query are selected, while features satisfying a definition query are displayed and the rest are hidden" [Ormsby 01, p. 263]
• Within the ArcMap Table of Contents, right click on the layer and select Properties -> Definition Query tab and then add query.
• Only applies to layers, not tables. See ESRI Article Number: 21233
• Issues with definition queries set on preexisting thematic maps and join layers. See ESRI Article Number: 17725
• No easy way to identify if the layer has a definition query applied to it. This could lead one to believe your missing some data.
• Similiar concept to a database filter which is basically a quick way to search for data records. How to setup a filter in Microsoft Access

Spatial Joins

• Similar to a table join, except the relate item (Primary Key) is the distance between features.
• A spatial join appends the attributes of one layer to another.
• Can select features in one layer based on their location relative to another layer, but a spatial join provides a more permanent association between the two layers.
• Creates a new layer containing both sets of attributes. For ArcView, output layer is a shapefile. ArcEditor or ArcInfo output layer is either a shapefile or a feature class.
• 3 types of spaital joins
  • Nearest Feature
    • this is defined as the feature that is geographically closest to another one. Proximity is based on straight line distance between features. In the TOC, right click the layer you want to join attributes to. In first dropdown arrow click "Join data from another layer based on spatial location." Will create a new dataset.
    • Spatial join based on distance.[Ormsby 01, p. 268]
    • Nearest feature is defined as the feature that is geographically closest to another one. Proximity is based on straight line distance between features. (ArcGIS Desktop Help -> Arcmap -> Querying maps -> Joining the attributes of features by their location)
    • right mouse click feature in TOC you want to join attributes to. Join -> Join data from another layer based on spatial location: click option to join the attributes to the features closest to it.
  • Inside a Polygon
    • a summary of features within each polygon will be created. In the TOC, right click the layer you want to join attributes to. In first dropdown arrow click "Join data from another layer based on spatial location". When joining the polygon attributes to a point feature, ArcMap adds a Distance field to the output table which contains the distance in map units from the point to the polygon.
    • Spatial join based on containment.[Ormsby 01, p. 267]
    • right mouse click feature in TOC you want to join attributes to. Join -> Join data from another layer based on spatial location: click option to join the attributes of the features that fall inside the polygon.
  • Intersects a feature
    • a summary of features that intersect each line will be created.
    • right mouse click feature in TOC you want to join attributes to. Join -> Join data from another layer based on spatial location: click option to join the attributes of the features that intersect it.
    • Attribute Summary
      • Average
      • Sum
      • Minimum
      • Maximum
      • Standard Deviation
      • Variance
• see ArcGIS Desktop Help -> ArcMap -> Querying maps -> Joining the attributes of features by their location

Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop: Chapter 11 - Preparing data for analysis

Dissolving Features

• Process of summarizing/creating a new polygon feature based on the joining of different polygon features, that share a boundary and have the same attribute value, together.
• Within ArcMap: Tools -> Geoprocessing Wizard...
• Output shapefile or feature class will only have the dissolve field, necessary internal fields, and any summarize attributes.
• Using the clarktrs shapefiles (clarktrs_p.shp, clarktrs_p.dbf, clarktrs_p.shx, clarktrs_p.prj), create a map display that only shows the Assessor Books (i.e. full Township and Range, no section boundaries). Note the sections have a layout of alternative lines in opposite directions (as from left to right and from right to left) which is known as boustrophedon (bou'stro'phe'don)

Symbolizing Data: Dissolve polygons on the fly

• Using the clarktrs shapefiles (clarktrs_p.shp, clarktrs_p.dbf, clarktrs_p.shx, clarktrs_p.prj), create a map display that only shows the Assessor Books (i.e. full Township and Range, no section boundaries).
• Layer Properties -> Symbology tab: Categories -> Unique Values, use the bkno field
• Symbol Sector -> Symbol Property Editor -> add new layer. Top layer will need a solid fill and outline width = 0. Bottom layer will have no fill color, outline width = 1, color black.
• Data Frame, right mouse click -> Advanced Drawing Options... Then check the "Draw using advanced drawing options, Join=Yes
• ArcGIS Desktop Help -> ArcMap -> Symbolizing your data -> Working with advanced symbolization -> Visually eliminating boundaries between polygons with the same attribute value

Graphs

• Used to complement a map by presenting information about the feature's attributes
• can be 2D or 3D
• Graph Types [ArcMap Desktop Help- Types of graphs]
  • Line - show trends in value along a continuous scale
  • Polar - basically a line graph drawn on a circular grid. Used in mathematical and statistical applications
  • Area - like line graph but areas between X-axis and plot lines is shaded. The shading gives greater emphasis to differences in quantities.
  • Bar and Column - use to compare amounts or show trends, e.g. monthly sales figures.
  • Scatter - used to identify patterns between values
  • Bubble - similar to scattered, by addition attribute can be display via the size of the bubble
  • High-Low-Close - range of values plotted as a vertical bar, e.g. air quality readings over a period of time.
  • Pie - used to show proportions and ratios. Can highlight a pie slice by "exploding" it-moving it slightly away from the center.
• to create: Tools -> Graphs -> Create
• to add an graph to the layout, right-click the title bar of the graph window and click Show on Layout. This will create a dynamic graph that is automatically updated as the features are changed. Make sure Reload Automatically is checked.
• Use copy and paste to create a static graph on the layout
• Can insert an excel chart in ArcMap, see Article Number 20330

Clipping Layers

• Trim features in one layer at the boundaries of features in another layer
• Use a polygon feature as a 'cookie cutter' to create a smaller subset of another feature (e.g. points, polygons, or lines). The cookie cutter can be a selection set ('Use selected features only') or a separate layer.
• Attributes of the two features are not combined. The output feature will have the same fields as in the clipped (not cookie cutter) feature.
• Tools -> GeoProcessing Wizard
• If option is grayed out, implies the active data frame does not currently contain two layers that can be used as input to this process.
• Output is a shapefile (note new features do not have their area, perimeter, or length calculated automatically- to calculate this see Article Number 14564) or feature class (new features are automatically calculated). Use ArcToolbox if dealing with coverages.

Exporting Data

Create a new layer based on a selection set

• Option 1: right mouse click on the layer name in the TOC, select Data -> Export Data... In the export dropdown, click Selected Features. Output data type option: Shapefile, coverage (with ArcEditor or ArcInfo), or geodatabase.
• Option 2: to create a new layer from the selected features, right-click the layer, point to Selection, and click "Create Layer From Selected Features". Note this just a virtual layer (not a permanent dataset) but can still symbolize, query and perform analysis on it.
• See ArcGIS Desktop Help: ArcMap -> Querying maps -> Exporting selected features
• Also will be covered in Chapter 11 [Ormsby 01]

Sample Data

• Select by Location example geodatabase, created by Ching Wang.
  • SelectByLocationExample.mdb
• Assessor Parcels
  • Shapefiles: pl16222.shp, pl16222.shx, and pl16222.dbf.
  • Assessor's AOROW table for Book 162 Section 22 rw16222.dbf.
  • Use Parcel Subdivision Number (PCLSUBD) to dissolve lines within the right of way to create a road casing. For example 99=dedicated and fee owned roads, 97=non-assessed common areas and planting strips, 96=dedicated and fee owned flood channels, and 95=private roads.
  • Assessor's AOEXTRACT table for book 162 section 22 ao16222.dbf
  • If PCLSUBD redefined item (only used in coverages) is missing, do the following: Add a new field and using the Field Calculator string function, Mid ( [PARCEL], 7, 2) to extract the 7th and 8th fields from the parcel number string. For help on VBA functions see, Tools -> Macros -> Visual Basic Editor: Help -> Visual Basic Reference.
  • Road Casing Issues: if the parcel owner didn't dedicate portions of their land to the County, then you won't be able to create a road casing there. This dedication is typically done when you proceed to develope the parcel.

Class 10 Homework

ESRI Virtual Campus: Learning ArcGIS II

• Module 3 of 5: Displaying Locations from Tabular Data

Reading Assignment

• Getting to Know ArcGIS desktop: Chapter 12 and 13
• Turn in 2 sample questions

Homework

• Make an 8.5" x 11" plot showing the road casings (i.e. public right of way) for Book 162 Section 22 163 Section 19 (from previous class). Note, all records in the AOROW table can be used to identify the Public/Private right of way which is necessary to create the road casing polygons. Lastly identify all vacant parcels. Using a query of LANDUSE field = 0 (note the LANDUSE field values are more like a zipcode than a number. The true vacant lands will have a LUUSE = 0 which is the value in position 2-3 of the LANDUSE code. Add standard marginalia and vicinity map.

Class 11: Thursday, 3 April 2003

Guest Speakers(s)

none

Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop: Chapter 12 - Analyzing Spatial Data

Buffer

• Used to draw boundaries at a specific distance around other features
• Can buffer points, lines, polygons, or graphics (see Discussion on Chapter 18 [Ormsby 01, p. 482] for more information on graphics)
• Buffer Types
  • Constant Distance
  • Variable Distance
  • Multiple Rings
  • Dissolve Barriers
• Need to specify units of
• ArcMap Menu Tool: Tools -> Buffer Wizard
• Clark County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) Bus Routes and stops: busroute_l.shp, busroute_l.dbf, busroute_l.shx, stops.shp, stops.dbf, stops.shx, stops.prj

Buffer Applications

• Zone changes (Conforming Zone Boundary Amendment): 750 ft radius notice.
• Maps showing walking distance to bus stops
• Identify parcels adjacent to your planned project. Clark County will use Special Improvement Districts (SID) to generate revenue to pay for roadway improvements (e.g. sidewalks, storm drains, additional driving lanes, and so on). A lien is placed on the property until the improvement is paid off. The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) usually picks up 90% of the bill.
• Vignettes

Vignette

• a picture that shades off gradually into the surrounding paper (see Webster Dictionary) pronounce as (Vin'yet)
• Used to accentuate a feature, for example a coastline or island. A vignette consists of a series of bands, each brighter than the next, emanating from a feature. (See ESRI Article Number: 17492)
• Close ArcMap, then run the ArcMap Advanced Settings program (c:\arcgis\arcexe81\ArcObjects Developer Kit\Utilities\VBAdvancedSettingsUtility\AdvAMSet.exe). (C:\esri\arcexe82\Utilities\AdvancedArcMapSettings.exe) Under the Miscellaneous tab: Buffer Wizard section - Buffer Processing Coordinate System: change the drop down box to "Coordinate System of the data frame (output)". Then in the ArcMap Buffer Wizard, use "Create the buffers as multiple buffer rings" and be sure to use the option to dissolve buffers. Will need to play with the number of rings to use as well as the color for best results.
• To preserve work on vignette, right mouse click on layer name in TOC of ArcMap, select option Save As Layer File... this will create a .lyr file which stores the ArcMap settings, not the actual data itself.
• Of course the best solution is to have water depth measurements (also known as bathymetry) and shade the water based on this attribute. See Dr. Mark Rudin's work on Lake Mead.

Buffer Graphic Bug

When creating a buffer graphic, it will always be the top most item displayed in the view. Workaround is to create buffer shapefiles/geodatabase features. See below comment from Jason:

I am writing in response to your email request for support. I am able to reproduce the problem that you have described in your email. I have searched our database of BUGs and Enhancements, I was not able to find a reference to this problem. I have logged this as BUG number CQ00164256. A workaround to this problem is to save the buffers to a shapefile or feature class. You can do this in the Buffer Wizard as the buffers are being created initially, or through the use of the following script that converts existing graphics to features. (http://gis.esri.com/arcscripts/index.cfm?action=details&CFGRIDKEY=25A2412B-C19A-11D5-944B00508B0CB419)
Please let me know if you any questions regarding the above information,

Jason

--
Best Regards,
Jason Kadubeck
jkadubeck@esri.com
To contact ESRI Technical Support (USA only):
Tel: (909)793-3774 Fax: (909)792-0960 E-mail: support@esri.com

Geoprocessing Wizard

• Dissolve features based on an attribute (see notes from last week)
• Merge layers together
• Clipping features in a layer (see notes from last week)
• Intersect two layers (type of Overlay)
• Union two layers (type of Overlay)

Merge Adjacent Layers

• Used to combine two or more adjacent layers into one larger layer that contains all their features
• Layers must be the same type: polygon to polygon, points to points, lines to lines. Cannot merge a polygon layer with a point layer.
• Can merge layers that overlap, however features are just appended into the output layer. For example, when selecting a polygon that overlaps another and they have been merged, will select both polygons. Reason is both polygons exists separately in the layer.
• Merge is order dependent: feature on top in TOC will be drawn on bottom when merging
• From the ArcMap Menu bar: Tools -> GeoProcessing Wizard: Merge layers together
• "Use fields"- click the layer containing the fields you want to maintain. "If the layers merged to this layer have the same fields, the attributes will be copied to the new layer. If a merged layer contains an extra field, it will be dropped. Also, if a merged layer is missing a field, the field value for features in that layer will be null." [ArcGIS Desktop Help -> ArcMap -> Querying maps -> Merging layers -> How to merge layers]
• Example: Merge Clark County Public Works Easement shapefile ( metadata) with the Clark County Assessor Parcel shapefile (pl16222.shp, pl16222.dbf, pl16222.shx, pe162.shp, pe162.shx, pe162.dbf, show overlapping features (should have 2 features identified, click in left pane window to flash the feature)
• With version 8.3, have the ability to select which feature will have its attributes tranferred into the newly created merge polygon. The list will show the primary display field, to help identify the desired polygon.

Overlays

• Superimpose one map feature over another to create a new map feature that has the attributes of both input layers, see [Ormsby 01, p. 306]
• Intersect
  • Only Common Areas are included in output
    • The resulting output layer has the combined attribute data of the features in the two input layers, only contains features that fall within the spatial extent of the overlay polygons.
  • Think of the overlay polygon as a stamp. It stamps its attributes on the underlying line/polygon features.
  • Use Join command in ArcMap to stamp polygon attributes onto a point feature
  • Polygon layer can overlay another polygon layer or a line layer.
  • Can use a selected set in either or both layers to perform overlay analysis on
  • Output projection of the intersected feature will be the same as the data frame's projection. In efforts to reduce errors, recommend both features have the same projection.
  • Output is a geodatabase, then area and length items will automatically be updated.
  • If output is a shapefile, will need to update area and length fields (see ArcGIS Desktop Help -> ArcMap -> Working with tables -> Making field calculations). Basically you open the attribute table of the layer, right mouse click on field to update, click Calculate Values, check Advanced and add the following VBA statements:
    
    Dim dblArea as double
    Dim pArea as IArea
    Set pArea = [shape]
    dblArea = pArea.area
    
    then type variable dblArea in the text box directly under the area field name.
  • See ArcGIS Desktop Help -> ArcMap -> Querying maps -> Intersecting features from two layers
  • From the ArcMap Menu bar: Tools -> GeoProcessing Wizard: Intersect two layers
• Union
  • Both input layers must be polygons
  • Total Area of both input features are included in output
    • Extend of both map features are included/combined in output feature.
  • Resulting output layer from a union of two polygon features has the combined attribute data of the polygons in the two inputs and contains all the polygons from the inputs, whether or not they overlap (see ArcGIS Desktop Help -> ArcMap -> Querying maps -> Unioning features from two layers)
  • Can use a selected set in either or both layers to perform overlay analysis on
  • From the ArcMap Menu bar: Tools -> GeoProcessing Wizard: Union two layers.

Calculating Attribute Values

• Used to assign attribute values to a field in the feature class/shapefile/coverage or stand alone table
• Once calculated, cannot undo changes outside a ArcMap edit session
• ArcMap TOC -> right mouse click on layer and select Open Attribute Table -> right mouse click on a field and select Calculate Values...
• Will get the following warning message: "You are about to do a calculate outside of an edit session. This method is faster than calculating in an edit session, but there is no way to undo your results once the calucation begins. Do you wish to continue? click yes
• click the Advanced Checkbox
• VBA Code

if [score] > 90 then
var = "A"
else
var = "F"
end if

• Then enter var into the bottom box. This is the value that will be assigned to field, which may vary from record to record.

Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop: Chapter 13 - Projecting data in ArcMap

When adding data to ArcMap, will sometimes get a warning message "One or more layers is missing spatial reference information, Data from those layers cannot be projected"

• "If you add a layer that is in a projected coordinate system to ArcMap, and the coordinate system information is missing" will get that message. Much of the time this is not a problem. You can still display and work with this data as long as ArcMap does not need to project it on the fly. ArcMap will not be able, however, to align this data with data in a different coordinate system." [Ormsby 01, p. 340]

Map Projections

• Mathematical transformation of a model of the earth's shape (i.e. Oblate Spheroid) to a flat surface (grid). [Ormsby 01, p. 324]
• Can distort shape, area, distance, and direction
• Geographic Coordinates System (GCS)
  • a measurement of a location on the earth's surface expressed in degrees of latitude and longitude. Tend to have a "taffy-pull appearance" when displaying [Ormsby 01, p. 331]
  • GCS includes: angular unit of measure (e.g. degrees), prime meridian (i.e. line of zero longitude which passes through Greenwich England), and a datum (e.g. position of spheroid relative to the center of earth, typically use North American Datum of 1983 a.k.a. NAD83)
• Projected Coordinates
  • a measurement of a location on the earth's surface expressed in a two-dimensional system that locates features based on their distance from an origin (0,0) along two axes.
• Map projections transform latitude and longitude to x,y coordinates in a projected coordinate system.
• Latitude and Longitude can located exact locations on the earth, but no uniform units of measurement (see figure on [Ormsby 01, p. 326])
• If all your GIS data is using the same coordinate system, don't have to worry about projections
• Empty data frames inherit the projection of the first layer added to it. [Ormsby 01, p. 333]
• On-the-fly Projections, [Ormsby 01, p. 328, 336]
• ArcMap determines if the coordinate system is geographic or projected by comparing the coordinates. Lat/Long values will be in the tens (Lat=36 degrees) and hundreds (Long=-115 degrees), where as Stateplane coordinates hundred thousand (e.g. x=800,000) and tens of million (y=26,750,000)[Ormsby 01, p. 340]
  • On-the-fly projections are less mathematically rigorous than permanent projections done using the ArcToolbox Projection Wizard. [Ormsby 01, p. 330]
  • On-the-fly projections are defined by the Layer Properties. Note this doesn't change the actual file. Projection only applied to data frame. [Ormsby 01, p. 330]
  • "... a coordinate system is a framework for locating features on the earth's surface using either latitude-longitude or x,y values."
  • Works well when the data has the same geographic coordinate system (GCS). [Ormsby 01, p. 329]
  • To transform the coordinate location of a CAD file using coordinate values in ArcMap, see ESRI Article Number 20860
• Projection info is assigned to the feature dataset, not the geodatabase. Note all feature classes in a feature dataset must have the same projection. Doesn't appear that all feature datasets need to have the same projection in a geodatabase. Remember a feature class can be contained in a feature dataset, which will ensure it has the same projection info, or can be a standalone feature class.
• ESRI software does not support vertical datums. Only reads the z-value as is, you must perform any pre-processing/corrections to the vertical data before entering into ArcGIS. Appears the projection metadata doesn't allow you to enter any additional z-value related data (for example NAVD88 datum, elevation units of feet, and so on).fs

• StatePlane Coordinate System (SPCS)
  • Map of all Stateplane coordinate zones is included with ArcMap, depending upon where you installed the program, c:\arcgis\arcexe82\Reference Systems\usstpln83.shp
• Universal Transverse Mercator, UTM
  • Earth is divided into 60 zones (each zone 6 degrees of longitude)
  • Origin for each zone is the Equator and its central meridian (3 degrees west and 3 degrees east). To eliminate negative coordinates, a false easting of 500,000 is applied
  • Typically used for statewide datasets
• Local/Surface Coordinates
  • Used extensively for small development projects by surveyors
  • referred to as ground distances by surveyors
  • different origin for each design project
  • To project into another coordinate system, need 2 points and have coordinate values in both systems.

Indepth Discussion on Projections

• USGS Map Projections Poster
• Map Projection Overview
• Map Projections and Distortion
• Welcome to the Map Projection Home Page
• State Plane Coordinates vs. Surface Coordinates, Part 1
• State Plane Coordinates..., PDF version
• Understanding Map Projects by Melita Kennedy and Steve Kopp with ESRI.
• Online conversion between geographic coordinates to stateplane coordinates, NGS Geodetic to SPC. Input Lat/Long in Degrees Minutes Seconds (DMS). Use Zone 2701 for Clark County Nevada, also known as the Nevada East Zone. The output distance is in meters, to convert to U.S. Survey Foot use the ratio 1200m/3937ft.
• USGS Monument Data sheets use to find the lat/long, utm, and stateplane coordinate for monuments show on the USGS Quad maps. Obtain the quad names from c:\arcgis\arcexe82\Reference Systems\usgs24q.shp

Define a Shapefile's Projection

• Using ArcCatalog
  • Problem: metadata, spatial reference property says "unknown" or "assumed geographic" projection.
  • File -> Properties -> Fields tab: click Shape column. In Properties list below, select ellipses button to open the Spatial Reference Properties window. Click Select... button. Browse through Projected Coordinate Systems folder -> State Plane folder -> NAD 1983 (Feet) folder -> NAD 1983 StatePlane Nevada East FIPS 2701 (Feet).prj
  • Metadata should now say the projected coordinate system name.
  • Shapefile's coordinate system parameters are stored in the same location and name as the shapefile but with a .prj extension
  • see ArcGIS Desktop Help -> ArcCatalog -> Working with shapefiles -> Defining a shapefile's coordinate system
• Using ArcToolbox
  • ArcToolbox -> Data Management Tools -> Projections -> Define Projection Wizard (shapefiles, geodatabase). Then give same inputs as the "Using ArcCatalog" solution above.
  • see [Ormsby 01, p. 341-346]

Define a ArcInfo Coverage's Projection

Define a GeoDatabase feature class Projection

Transformation

• Often used to convert Survey surface/local/project coordinates to Stateplane grid coordinates.
• Must create a world file (.wld)
• ArcMap will use this to project/transform local coordinates to Stateplane.
• Requires 2 points to transform. Points must represent the same location in both layers. Best to have points at opposite ends of the map extent.
• Current experience: will use water valve Stateplane coordinates to transformation.

Class 11 Homework

ESRI Virtual Campus: Learning ArcGIS II

• Module 4 of 5: Analyzing Data with ArcMap

Reading Assignment

• Getting to Know ArcGIS desktop: Chapters 14 and 15
• Turn in 2 sample questions

Homework

• Create a data frame that has a vignette of Lake Las Vegas (lakelv.shp, lakelv.dbf, lakelv.shx).
• In the main data frame, add the Lake Mead and Clark County cities layer. Include a Graticule (see Chapter 18 [Ormsby 01])with one degree as the major interval. Determine the length of one degree latitude and one degree longitude in the Las Vegas Valley.
• Add normal marginalia.

Class Project

• Identify spatial data sources you or your group will be using for the class project. List due next week. For example, will be using the Regional Transportation Commission bus stop coverage. If doing a VBA program, supply a detail problem description of what your code will do.

Class 12: Thursday, 10 April 2003Tuesday 15 April 2003

Guest Speakers(s)

none

Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop: Chapter 14 - Building geodatabases

Geodatabase

• Organize spatial data into feature classes
• Similar to Microsoft Access .mdb (one database .mdb - many tables). ESRI's geodatabase (.mdb) can have many feature classes.
• A feature class can only store one type. Can have a point feature class. Cannot have a single feature class that stores points and lines.
• Feature Dataset- use when two separate feature classes are related (spatially dependent on one another). For example water valves (points) are connected to water lines (arcs).
• Feature class is a group of points, lines, and/or polygons representing similar geographic objects
• Shapefile consists of a single feature class. Geodatabases, ArcInfo coverages, and AutoCAD DWGs may contain several feature classes.
• Can store point, line, and polygon feature classes in a single geodatabase (Microsoft Access database file, .mdb)
• Create geodatabases in ArcCatalog: in the ArcCatalog tree, navigate to folder where you want to store the geodatabase, then right mouse click on the folder and click New -> Personal Geodatabase.
• To add a feature classes to the geodatabase, import them.
• Can batch import shapefiles, coverages, etc. into a geodatabase
• "File management operations, including data imports, are applied on execution and thus there is nothing to save" [Ormsby 01, p. 362]
• Geodatabase Required Fields [Ormsby 01, p. 366]
  • ObjectID- stores a unique ID number for every feature in the class
  • SHAPE- stores each feature's shape and its location in the coordinate system
  • SHAPE_Length- measurement field for line feature classes
  • SHAPE_Area- measurement field for polygon feature classes
  • Point Shape PreDefined GDB Fields
    • OBJECTID: Data Type is Object ID
    • SHAPE: Data Type is Geometry
  • MultiPoint Shape PreDefined GDB Fields
    • OBJECTID: Data Type is Object ID
    • SHAPE: Data Type is Geometry
  • Line Shape PreDefined GDB Fields
    • OBJECTID: Data Type is Object ID
    • SHAPE: Data Type is Geometry
    • SHAPE_Length: Data Type is Double
    • Multipoint feature consists of more than one point but only references one set of attributes in the database. Similar to a multipart feature.
  • Polygon Shape PreDefined GDB Fields (default geometry type when creating new feature class)
    • OBJECTID: Data Type is Object ID
    • SHAPE: Data Type is Geometry
    • SHAPE_Length: Data Type is Double
    • SHAPE_Area: Data Type is Double
• Fields store attribute information in a feature class. A field is defined by a name, data type (e.g. integer), and properties (e.g. domain). Domain is a list or range of valid values for an attribute

Geodatabase Geometry Types

• Point Feature
  • Absolute X, Y: allows one to type in the coordinates of the X,Y point. Must be in an ArcMap edit session. Press F6 or right-click anywhere on the map and click Absolute X, Y.
  • Ctrl-Z will delete last point entered, handy feature.
• Multipoint Feature
  • Add a multipoint feature to ArcMap then Start an ArcMap edit session
  • Current Task dropdown arrow -> Create New Feature
  • Target Layer dropdown arrow -> select the multipoint feature class previously created in ArcCatalog
  • Tool palette dropdown arrow -> click the Sketch tool
  • Click on map to create parts of the multipoint feature. When you have created the last point of the multipoint feature, right-click anywhere on the map and click Finish Sketch (could also double click last point or hit F2).
  • Now, when you click one part of the multipoint feature to select it, all points are automatically selected because they all belong to one multipoint feature.
  • See ArcGIS Desktop Help -> ArcMap -> Editing in ArcMap -> Creating new features -> Creating point features and vertices -> Creating a multipoint feature
• Polygon Feature
  • Click the Current Task dropdown arrow and click Create New Feature
  • Click the Target Layer dropdown arrow and click a line or polygon layer
  • Click the tool palette dropdown arrow and click the Sketch tool
  • Click on the map to digitize the feature's vertices
  • When finished, right-click anywhere on the map and click Finish Sketch. Could also double-click on the last vertex of the feature or press F2.
• Line Feature
  • Same procedure as adding a Polygon Feature
• Multipart Line and Multipart Polygon (not a separate feature type)
  • Create a line or polygon feature class in ArcCatalog
  • When finished creating first part of the feature, right-click anywhere on the map and click Finish Part. Can also Hold down the Shift key and double-click last vertex to finish part.
  • Create the next part of the feature
  • When you have finished the last part of the feature, right-click anywhere on the map and click Finish Sketch. Can also Double-click the last vertex to finish the Sketch.
  • Now, when you click one part of the feature to select it, all parts are automatically selected because they all belong to one multipart feature.
  • Can copy the shape of a feature from another layer into the current edit session feature. "You can add the shape of a line or polygon feature to the sketch by right-clicking over the feature with the Sketch tool and clicking Replace sketch. The sketch will contain the shape of the feature you clicked over."
  • See ArcGIS Desktop Help -> ArcMap -> Editing in ArcMap -> Creating new features -> Creating lines and polygons -> Creating a multipart line or a multipart polygon
  • A multipart feature can only share vertices, not edges.

Geodatabase X/Y Domain

• Using ArcCatalog, within a geodatabase right mouse click New -> Feature Class... Specify a Name and Alias (displayed in ArcMap TOC), type point/poly/line, click Next use Default configuration keyword, click Next and click the SHAPE field name. Under the Field Properties click to the right of Spatial Reference. Coordinate System tab, use the Import... button to copy profile data from another existing coverage/shapefile/feature class.
• Have problems specifying a coordinate system, then entering the X/Y Domain. When adding data will get following error, "The Create Feature task could not be completed. The coordinates or measures are out of bounds."
• GeoDatabase stores coordinates as positive 4-byte integers that have a maximum value of 2,147,483,648. [ESRI GDB Lecture 01, p. 4-7]
• The default spatial domain is calculated to provide at least 100 percent more space on any side of the entire feature extent for expansion purposes. This is done by a buffer range of 100 percent. Basically multiply the extent range (xmax - xmin) by 3. The multiplier is 3 because you want the current range plus that amount of room on either side. [ESRI GDB Lecture 01, p. 4-19]
• The units that the 4-byte integer represents is called storage units. [ESRI GDB Lecture 01, p. 4-7]
• Enter the calculated ShiftX and ShiftY for the MinX, MinY and enter the precision setting. [ESRI GDB Lecture 01, p. 4-15]
• X/Y Domain values when Imported from an existing coverage. MinX=-262317, MinY=25576995, Precision=976, MaxX=1936706, MaxY=27776018
• MinX: -89206749, MinY: -89149212, (having problems with these values) Precision: 100 (100th of a foot), ArcCatalog will calculate MaxX and MaxY
• MaxX = MinX + 2147483648/precision = -89206749 + 2147483648/100 = -67731912.55 (calculated by ArcCatalog)
• MaxY = MinY + 2147483648/precision = -89149212 + 2147483648/100 = -67674375.55 (calculated by ArcCatalog)
• Units for MinX, MinY, MaxX, and MaxY are based on the Projection Units. For example if you setup Stateplane Coordinates, Units Feet then the MinX unit is Feet.
• Cannot edit the XY Domain once you finished creating the geodatabase. "The spatial domain for a feature class or feature dataset cannot be changed. If the required x-, y-, m- or z-value ranges for your database change, the data has to be reloaded into feature classes with a spatial reference that accommodates the new value range." (see ArcGIS Desktop Help -> Geodatabases -> Creating new items in a geodatabase -> Geodatabase items)
• Tip from Margaret Maher (mmaher@esri.com) use the usstpln83.shp as the extent template. Procedure, add to a new dataframe, change the dataframe coordinate system to Nevada East zone, Stateplane, Nad83, feet. Then select the East zone polygon, and export the data. This will create a permentant projection. Then in the new geodatabase, import this shapefile, will automatically update the X/Y Domain to the correct values.

Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop: Chapter 15 - Creating Features

ArcMap Edit Session

• Method to create or edit point, polygon, or line features
• Use the Editor Toolbar "Start Editing" and "Stop Editing" to begin and end an editing session
• Create an Edit Sketch, upon saving becomes a normal feature (e.g. point, polygon, arc)
• To create a line or polygon, you must first create a sketch
• "For every feature on the map, there is an alternate form, a sketch. In the same way that you must create a sketch to create a feature, to modify a feature you must modify its sketch." [Shaner 00, p.57]
• Specify three setting for an edit
  • Tool - used to draw edit sketches
    • Create New Feature (also known as the Sketch Tool). Double click the mouse to create the last vertex and finish the sketch. Context sensitive menu exists for the Sketch Tool, just right mouse and will get options on placing vertices/segments specifically where you want them using x,y coordinates, length, and angle.
    • Arc - used to draw true curves as opposed to curves that are a collection of very short line segments. [Ormsby 01, p. 381]
    • Distance-Distance - place a point at either of the two locations made by the intersection of two circles. "Suppose you want to create a pole feature. If you don't have the exact coordinate location but know that it is at the intersection of 50 map units from the corner of one building and 70 map units from the corner of another, you can use this tool to place the pointl" [ArcGIS Desktop Help -> Editing in ArcMap -> Creating new features -> Creating point features and vertices]
    • Intersection - places a point at the location where two lines would cross if they extended far enough.
    • Trace - create features that follow the contours of selected lines or polygons
  • Task - what is the purpose of the edit sketch, is it to "Create New Feature", "Extend/Trim Features", "Reshape Feature", etc.
  • Target - what layer will the edit sketch apply to, in other words the target layer determines in which layer a new feature will belong.
• Have the ability to undo mistakes using the Undo button on the Standard toolbar

Improve Speed of Editing

• When working with large amounts of data, create an edit cache
• ArcView can only edit personal geodatabases. If Edit Cache toolbar is dimmed out, problem might be your attempting to edit a non-geodatabase feature.
• Creates a spatial bookmark automatically called Edit Cache
• Zoom into area you want to edit, click the Build Edit Cache button on the Edit Cache toolbar. Features visible in current extent are held in memory locally.

Snapping Environment

• Help establish exact locations in relation to other features
• Editor Toolbar -> Editor menu -> Snapping
• Snapping Tolerance- distance within which the pointer or a feature is snapped to another location
• Snapping Properties- choose part of the feature, vertex, edge, or endpoint to which you want your new feature to snap to
• Snapping Priority- snapping occurs first in the layer at the top of the list and then in each consecutive layer down the list
• Snapping Rules- "lower portion of the dialog sets snapping rules that an edit sketch uses on itself. For example, to make sure that you completely close new polygons you digitize, you would check the Edit sketch vertices check box." [Ormsby 01, p. 384]
• From the ArcMap Editor toolbar: Editor -> Options -> General tab: check Show snap tips. Once done, ArcMap will display the layer name or target in a tooltip that it is being snapped to.
• To see the current snapping tolerance area, hold down the T key while using the Sketch Tool. A Green circle the size of your snapping tolerance will appear around your mouse cursor. Helpful to hold down the T key and move your mouse around features you plan to snap to. See [ESRI Edit ArcMap 02, p. 107]
• See ArcGIS Desktop Help -> Editing in ArcMap -> Creating new features -> Using the snapping environment

Creating Features from other Features

• Copy Parallel Line Features
• Creating Buffers
• Mirroring Features
• Merging Features from the same layer- only applies to lines or polygons. Merging nonadjacent features creates a multipart feature
• Combining Features from different layers- features must be the same type. The new feature created in the current layer will have no attribute values.
• Intersecting Features- creates a new feature from the area where features overlap. Layers must be the same type.
• See ArcGIS Desktop Help -> Editing in ArcMap -> Creating features from other features