A Review: Geographic Information Systems

& ArcGIS Basics

Geographic Information SystemsGeographic Information ScienceWhy is GIS important and what drives it?Applications of GISESRI’s ArcGIS: A ReviewMap DesignText and Labels

“A computer based system to aid in the collection, maintenance, storage, retrieval analysis, output and distribution of spatial data and information.” – Bolstad

Other Definitions:• A Toolbox• An Information System• A Series of Subsystems• An Approach to Science

GIS maps are dynamic. They contain collections of thematic layers. Layers, in turn, contain a collection of features that represent real-world objects. GIS data layers are unique because information can be associated with geographic features.

Broader than GISForms the theoretical foundations on which GIS is based.Primary Goal: To redefine geography and geographic information in relation to the current digital age.Critical to the effective and correctapplication of GIS!

Offers the means to solve large or complex geospatial problems.Helps to resolve issues related to dichotomies in scale.Integrates spatial and tabular information in a single system within a consistent framework.Offers insights and explanations that might otherwise be unavailable.

• Increasing population density• Increasing social and environmental awareness• Growth in technology • Increasing availability of digital information• Growing commercial applications• Price drops in technology• Demonstrated cost savings (less duplication, data

sharing, etc.)

Utility companiesEx. gas, phone, electric, water, cable TV companies a single company may have

• hundreds of thousands of customers each with a connection to the network • thousands of miles of wires, underground pipes • transformers, switches, manholes, poles… • thousands of maintenance calls per day

a company needs to keep track of all their customers and infrastructure by • maintaining accurate information about what is where • keeping records up to date • making daily work assignments to crews

Transportationa state department of transportation needs to

• store information on the state of pavement everywhere on the state highway network • maintain an inventory of all highway signs • analyze data on accidents, look for 'black spots'

a delivery company, e.g. Federal Express, UPS, needs to • keep track of shipments, know where they are • plan efficient delivery routes

a transit authority needs to • know where transit vehicles are at all times

Forestryneed to keep track of what timber is growing where need to be able to plan timber harvest

• to provide for timber needs now, but maintain a healthy forest resource for the future • to determine locations of roads, methods of cutting and removing logs, to comply with

environmental regulations need to manage forests for many purposes, including recreation

An integrated collection of GIS software products for building and deploying a complete GIS wherever it is needed - on desktops, servers, or custom applications; over the Web; or in the field.

ArcView is a full-featured geographic information system (GIS) software for visualizing, managing, creating, and analyzing geographic data.

ArcInfo includes all the functionality of ArcEditor, ArcView, and ArcReader and adds advanced spatial analysis, extensive data manipulation, and high-end cartography tools.

ArcEditor includes all the functionality of ArcView and adds a comprehensive set of tools to create, edit, and ensure the quality of your data.

ArcGIS Desktop is software that allows you to discover patterns, relationships, and trends in your data that are not readily apparent in databases, spreadsheets, or statistical packages.

ArcMap – The ArcGIS application used to view, analyze, and edit geographic data as well as create professional-quality maps, graphs, and reports.

ArcCatalog – The ArcGIS application used for browsing, managing and documenting geographic data.

Each ArcGIS Desktop product includes two applications: ArcMap & ArcCatalog

A specific type or category of information associated with a geographic feature is called an attribute. Attributes are stored in the ‘attribute table’ associated with the layer.

Each feature is a record (row).

Each attribute is a column or field.

What’s This? Tool• Shift+F1

ArcGIS Desktop Help• F1 Key

ESRI online support: http://support.esri.com/

View animated tutorials or review PDF’s.Go to: http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.2/tutorials/tutorials.htm

What is the motive or goal of the map?Who will read the map?Where will the map be used?What data is available for the composition of the map?What resources are available in terms of time and equipment?

Visual resources cartographers can use to symbolize information on a map.

3 Types of Symbols:

Point

Line

Polygon

Options for Symbolization:

The form of your data dictates the form (type) of the map.

General Reference MapsGraduated Symbol Maps (Proportional Symbol Maps)Chloropleth MapsIsopleth MapsArea Qualitative MapsDot Density Maps

Groups attributes into classes to help discern patterns.

Make choices about not only how many different classes that the data should be categorized into, but what the value ranges of those classes should be. A slight adjustment of the "breaks" in the value ranges of ordered data, for example, might alter the map significantly and reveal trends that were not detected previously (or are not in fact there).

You can define your own classes OR Use one of the standard methods:• Natural Breaks• Equal Interval• Quantile

When designing a layout, always decide on and set the page size FIRST!Go to File….Page and Print Setup.

In the Layout View:

• Go to Insert….

Create your own template ORUse existing map templates

• Select template when opening ArcMap OR

• Go to “Change Layout” button and select template.

.mxt extension

3 Primary Methods:� Dynamic Labels� Annotation� Map Text (Graphics)

Based on layer attributesComplete control over properties – color, size, etc.Limited control over placement Importance of setting scale dependence –faster rendering.

Offers complete control over all properties and placement.Better for long term/repeated usage of textual information.More challenging to create and manage.Can generate new or import from Labels.

• Label features, then right-click Convert Labels to

Annotation.Two types of Annotation:

• Map Annotation

• Database (i.e. based in a geodatabase)

Quick way to place features (points, lines or polygons) or text on the map.NOT linked to data – stored in the map document.If you want the text or graphics to stay overlaid with your data layers, always add to the data view!Only add to layout view when inserting map layout elements such as title and north arrow.

Tools available on Drawtoolbar.

Use ‘Select Elements’ tool.• Select by dragging a box or

clicking individually (Shift key to add elements)

• Access ‘Element Properties’ for size, color, etc.

Go to Drawing menu to organize elements and set default symbol properties