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Lab 1: Introduction To Gis: LBR & WS 188 01.24.2013

This document provides an introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It discusses key GIS concepts like layers that can be overlaid to analyze relationships. It describes common feature types like points, lines, and polygons. It also outlines how to use ArcGIS applications like ArcCatalog to manage data and ArcMap to display and analyze maps. Specific functions are covered such as dragging and dropping data, adjusting the order of layers, using attribute tables, and creating static versus dynamic web maps. The goal is to get students inspired and ready to start learning GIS.

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Windibel Gutierrez Salguero
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47 views31 pages

Lab 1: Introduction To Gis: LBR & WS 188 01.24.2013

This document provides an introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It discusses key GIS concepts like layers that can be overlaid to analyze relationships. It describes common feature types like points, lines, and polygons. It also outlines how to use ArcGIS applications like ArcCatalog to manage data and ArcMap to display and analyze maps. Specific functions are covered such as dragging and dropping data, adjusting the order of layers, using attribute tables, and creating static versus dynamic web maps. The goal is to get students inspired and ready to start learning GIS.

Uploaded by

Windibel Gutierrez Salguero
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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LAB 1: INTRODUCTION TO GIS

LBR & WS 188


01.24.2013
• Geographic Information System
• An ensemble of geographic and tabular data, using
software that allows analysis and presentation of such
analysis in map forms
• incorporates databases and spreadsheets with spatial
information in one integrated system
So….
Layers can be
overlaid - placed
one over the other
based on a shared
geographic reference
– allows analysis of
the relationships
between layers
• Features
• Attributes
• Imagery
• POINTS
• Identifies a place at a discrete
location. Each point is located using
a single X,Y coordinate pair.
• LINES
• Used to represent linear entities,
such as roads, rivers,etc., Lines (also
known as arcs) are made of
connected strings of line segments.
• Vertex/Nodes--the more, the more precise

• POLYGONS
• Shape files representing areas
CREATING MAPS
ArcGIS Applications Description:
• ArcCatalog:
Allows the user to easily access and manage geographic data
that is stored in folders on local disks or relational databases
that are available on the user's network.  Data can be copied,
moved, deleted, and quickly viewed before it is added to a map. 
In addition, metadata can be either read or created using this
ArcGIS application.

• ArcMap:
Allows the user to display and query maps, create quality
hardcopy maps and perform many spatial analysis tasks.
ArcMap provides an easy transition from viewing a map to
editing its spatial features.
VIEWING DATA IN ARCCATALOG
The data can be previewed by
navigating to its location in the
catalog tree. If the folder or
network drive that contains the
user's data is not shown in the
existing catalog tree, the
Connect to Folder button can
be used.
• As well as previewing the geography of a
data set, the user can also preview the
attributes. At the bottom of the catalog
display, there is a preview drop-down list.
This allows the user to view either the
geography or the associated attribute table
for the data layer.

• In addition to previewing the geography


and the attribute table of a data layer, the
user can view or create metadata. By
clicking on the Metadata tab in the catalog
display, technical information about the
data set (such as its coordinate system, its
spatial extent, description of its attributes,
and descriptive information about when
and how the data was created) can be
obtained.
VIEWING DATA IN ARCMAP
• The ArcMap
application window
consists of a map
display for viewing
spatial data, a table of
contents for listing the
layers shown in the
display and a variety of
toolbars for working
with data.
DRAG AND DROP
• Simply click the name of the data layer from the
ArcCatalog data tree, and drag it anywhere
within the ArcMap display.
ORDER IS IMPORTANT
• When multiple data layers
are visible, the user can drag
a layer to the top of the table
of contents in order to place
that data layer on top of all
of the other layers. In the
following example the
Interstate Highway layer
was moved to the top of the
table of contents in order to
make data visible within the
map display window.
THE MAIN TOOLBAR
• The ArcMap Tools toolbar
can be used to do a variety
of operations. The toolbar
may initially be oriented
vertically, but its orientation
can be changed by dragging
one of its corners.
Additionally, it can be moved
so that its location is next to
the standard toolbar.
THE ATTRIBUTE TABLE
In a GIS, a feature on a map
may be associated with a
great deal of information.
This information is stored in
an attribute table. A layer's
attribute table contains a row
(or record) for every feature
in the layer and a column (or
field) for every attribute or
category of information.
THE ATTRIBUTE TABLE
• Records, as well as fields, can be
highlighted. When a record is
highlighted in a table, its
corresponding feature is
highlighted on a map. A highlighted
record or feature is said to be
selected.

• The user can highlight a record in a


table by clicking on the left edge of
the record of interest in the table.
Once the record is selected, the
corresponding feature will be
selected in the map display.
USEFUL WEBSITES
• Course website, gis class in Public Affair School
• http://up206a.yohman.com/

• ESRI Support
• http://forums.arcgis.com/
TWO THINGS…
• GIS is about data visualization
• GIS is about telling a story

Get inspired by some nice maps…


STATIC MAP vs WEB MAP (DYNAMIC)
• Static map:
easy to make; more design flexibility
• Web map:
easy to share; interactive

Web map examples

We are going to learn both. Now, let’s get started!

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