Clean Up the ArcCatalog Tree

If you have been using ArcGIS for any amount of time, you have probably found how useful ArcCatalog can be.  The ability to organize your files in an easy manor is just one benefit.  ArcCatalog gives the option to add folder connections.  As you add connections, the Catalog Tree begins to clutter up.  You will find that there are a lot of connections in view.  This can be frustrating unless however you know that there in an option to help clean up this view. Read more

Streamline Workflow with Model Builder

There are many tasks that we preform over and over each day in ArcMap.  We go through the same routine without thought of there actually being an easier way.  These repetitious actions can actually be modeled to make like easier and more productive.  ArcGIS provides a excellent tool called Model Builder.  Model Builder is based out of ArcToolbox.  By following just a few simple steps, you can be on your way to an easier, more productive work flow.

To create a model:

1. Open ArcToolbox by clicking on the red toolbox at the top of ArcMap or ArcCatalog.

Read more

WebDiet™ – GPS and Meal Planning

I just found this website that is integrating dieting and GPS.  At first I did not know how in the world the two even related, but after reviewing the website I have found how the two work together.

The basic idea is that you have access to WebDiet™ on your phone and you can us GPS to locate restaurant near you.  The program searches these restaurants and creates a healthy meal plan based upon your diet requirements.  You can even place your order on your phone if you are on the go.

I believe that this is a crazy, but great idea.  Who would have ever thought that GPS and Dieting would go together?  I know that I will not be using it because I am not the dieting type.  However, I use Live Search on a regular basis from my phone to locate restaurants near my location.  I believe that WebDiet™ could be big.  This just goes to show you that using GIS and GPS can go as far as your imagination will allow.

Check it out and form your own opinion….WebDiet™

Saving Gas in SC with GPS Units

South Carolina is trying to save money by buying GPS units to monitor their gas usage.  They are spending 4 million dollars on 12,250 units.  Approximately half of the units will go for public school’s buses and the other half to the Department of Transportation.

The article says that if they can save just a few gallons per bus a day, the savings will pay for the units.  The GPS is suppose to record speed, idling time and acceleration in addition to tracking.  When they see an issue, they can notify the driver.

Although this may sound practical, this is not a feasible way to reduce gas usage.  Can you really save a couple of gallon of gas a day by not idling?  I think they need to focus on the routing aspect.  If they can reduce their route, that is where the real savings will come in.  With the technology that GIS provides, they can be more efficient with their routes.  One way to do this is to reroute on a daily basis.  If a parent can call and notify the school that their child will not be riding for that day, then the can be removed from the database for that day.  The would in return reduce the length of the route.  And by having GPS units in the bus, this will give the drive the ability to follow the new route given to them.

The artile does go on to say that there can be a significant savings for the SCDOT as well.  Islip, NY is referenced as saving 14,000 gallons of gas in three months by using the GPS units.

What do you think?  Read full article…

90 Second File Geodatabase

Recently my professor challenged our class to create File Geodatabase in under 90 seconds.  For those who are new to ArcGIS, this can seem like a steep challenge.  Once you get the key steps down, it will come second nature.  These steps are important in beginning to understand how to use a geodatabase. 

Here is the test:

Setup:  Create working folder; Find Spatial Reference to Import; Find Feature Class to Import
(Clock Starts Now)
1. Create New File Geodatabase
2. Create New  Feature Dataset
3. Import Feature Class
(Clock Stops When Import Ends)

Solution:
1. Right Click Working Folder and Select New -> File Geodatabase (give logical name)
2. Right Click the Geodatabase and Select New -> Feature Dataset… (give logical name)
A. Give Logical Name
B. Import Spatial Reference Information
3. Right Click the Dataset and Select Import -> Feature Class…
A. Select Feature to Import
B. Name New Feature Class

So, I challenge you to see how fast you can complete this test.  Can you do it in under 90 seconds?  Post your results in the comments of this post.

The creative part of me decided that I should see if I could create a model to implement these steps.  Below is the model that I created.  This model takes about 5 seconds to create a File Geodatabase, Feature Dataset, and Import a Feature Class.

ESRI Training and Education Center

Although all GIS does not revolve around ESRI software, ArcGIS holds a big portion of it.  When you open ArcMap for the first time, it is a bit overwhelming.  You wonder if you are ever going to be able to use all of the features and even more understand what everything does.  With all of this confusion, ESRI has provided an excellent place to gain training and understanding.

The site that ESRI has created is called ESRI Training and Education.  On this site you can find Read more