Create Thumbnails in ArcCatalog

ArcCatalog has so many features, it is difficult to keep up with them all.  One that is very helpful is the Create Thumbnail button.  This allows you to create a thumbnail image of a file so that it can be viewed from the Contents Tab instead of the default thumbnail.  The below example shows its application for a shapefile, but this can be applied to a variety of file types.  This quick snapshot can help the browsing process when you are looking for that certain file.

Follow these simple steps to create a thumbnail image for a file in ArcCatalog:

1. View the shapefile with the Preview Tab.

2. Zoom to desired view.

ArcCatalog gives you a few navigation tools.  You can create a full extent view or zoom in on certain features.

3. Press the create thumbnail button from the toolbar.

4. View the newly created thumbnail under the Contents Tab.

Learn more about ArcGIS in these excellent books:

GIS Tutorial

Getting to Know ArcGIS

Careers at ESRI and in the Geospatial Industry

An excellent podcast interview from VerySpatial with Jason Otero of ESRI was just put out this week.  The topic covered the details of getting a job at ESRI and also other geospatial companies.  Jason mentioned that even in the state of this economy, they are still hiring.

The main ESRI locations that are hiring are Redlands, CA; Washington, DC; Charlotte, NC and St. Louis, Mo.  The Redlands office has the greatest opportunity for jobs, but the others are quickly expanding.  In all ESRI has a main office with 10 regional offices.

Hot Jobs at ESRI include:

• Software Products
• Professional Services
• Technical Support

ESRI has put together an excellent careers website where you can create a profile.  Under this profile you can fill out an application, submit a cover letter and resume, and apply for jobs.  There is also a dedicated site for college graduates to learn more about moving from “a college campus to an ESRI campus”.  You can find more information on the ESRI Grad web page.

Maybe you are not looking for a job at ESRI, or maybe you are not near one of their locations; Jason suggested looking up an ESRI Business Partner where many opportunities reside.  You can find a business partner here.

Catch the entire interview from VerySpatial – http://veryspatial.com/2009/05/a-veryspatial-podcast-episode-199/

GIS Cartography: A Guide to Effective Map Design

There have been many cartography books published over the years that seem to cover the same information with an out of date feel.  Like a breath of fresh air, a new cartography book has enter the mix.  GIS Cartography: A Guide to Effective Map Design written by Gretchen N. Peterson has been recently made available.

The first thing that stood out to me was the openness and personable presentation of the author in the introduction.  As I read through this book I did not see it as a textbook, but I saw it as if I was sitting across the table from Gretchen discussing keys to GIS cartography.  She presents each area in a detailed manor as one speaking from experience.

I liked how the book did not focus on a single software package, but provides ideas that could be applied across the board.  The examples and topics are presented in a more up to date application.  This allows for the incorporation of new media like PowerPoint slides and web maps.  Although this book was written with the early career professional in mind, it has a lot of good stuff for everyone no matter the career level.

A few areas that really stood out to me included the challenge of learning to be creative with map design.  Observing art and other non map designs help stimulate the creative juices.  There is also an excellent detailed layout design checklist.  Each element is discussed extensively throughout the chapter.  Another helpful area was map fonts.  Learning when to use certain fonts, understanding map viewing distance and its correlation to the font size, and understanding the importance of text direction are some of the topics discussed in the font chapter.

Color is also analyzed and starts at the beginning with the color theory as defined by Sir Isaac Newton.  The author presents valuable information on these various color models:

• RGB
• Hexadecimal
• HSV
• HSL
• CMYK
• CIELAB

In addition to the color models, the author discusses figure ground, choropleth mapping, color connotation, blending, and readability.  One of the largest sections is on cartographic representation of features.  This chapter was very useful as it contains an enormous amount of information that includes specific features and the techniques on how to enhance each one.  Some of these features includes:

• Roads
• Rivers and Streams
• Cities & Towns
• Political Boundaries
• Elevation / Hillshade
• Wind
• Temperature
• Land Use / Land Cover
• Utilities
• Soils

Beyond the chapter content, the appendix is filled with invaluable resources such as layout sketches, map examples, and color swatches.

The book is a great read from front to back; however, you can pick and choose to read the chapters you want.  I highly recommend this book for its reading ease, valuable information, and current applicable techniques.

Check it out: GIS Cartography: A Guide to Effective Map Design

About the Author (from http://petersongis.com):

Gretchen holds a BS in Natural Resources from Cornell University and is a GISP. She is the author of GIS Cartography: A Guide to Effective Map Design. She is a member of the GISCI Application Review Committee.

Gretchen has been conducting GIS analysis and development in the Pacific Northwest for over 9 years. Prior to founding PetersonGIS, Gretchen was a GIS analyst for a private consulting firm where she designed the GIS salmonid refugia model for Kitsap and Jefferson Counties in Washington State. Before moving to Washington State, she conducted research in the field on the Common Tern in Oneida Lake, New York and worked as a GIS data specialist at the New York Water Resources Institute.

Adding Microsoft Virtual Earth to ArcGIS 9.3.1

With the new ArcGIS 9.3.1 update, I searched high and low to find out how to access Microsoft Virtual Earth in ArcGIS as this was a big component to the new update.  It has not been as easy as I expected.  I thought that it would be a simple click to add the data to my map.  I found however, that it takes a few more extra steps to gain access.   Here is some information directly from ESRI’s Resource Center:

With ArcGIS 9.3.1, Microsoft Virtual Earth maps are seamlessly integrated into ArcGIS products. ArcGIS users who are current on maintenance and have an Internet connection will have access to Virtual Earth for a variety of up-to-date mapping content.

See the appropriate section below and follow the instructions to get started using Microsoft Virtual Earth in your ArcGIS 9.3.1 application:

• ArcGIS Desktop and ArcGIS Engine
• ArcGIS Server

I followed the ArcGIS Desktop process to gain access to Microsoft Virtual Earth.  This may vary from what you encounter, but it will give you a general idea for access.

Go to this website to request a new license file:

https://service.esri.com/index.cfm?fa=requestForms.requestLFileShowForm

1. Request a New License File

2. Select: Add newly purchased licenses to a new or existing license server

3. Enter Software Version

4. Enter Customer Information

5. Enter License Server Information

6. Enter number of licenses for Virtual Earth (bottom)

7. Submit Request

8. Agree to the additional terms

9. Submit Request

A new license file will be sent to you by email.  (Mine came within 30 minutes although the site says it could take one business day.)  Then update your license file.

On the Using premium Microsoft Virtual Earth Maps with ArcGIS 9.3.1 page there is an ArcMap document that can be downloaded that has the Virtual Earth service added.  There are Layer files and a ArcGlobe document (3DD) file on this website as well.  Open the downloaded map document and explore Microsoft Virtual Earth.

UCLA Added to GIS College List and More

Unfortunately because of the way the school semester has been finishing up, I have not been able to contribute lately as much as I would like.  My main focus has been on a Reservoir Site Suitability Project for my Raster class.  I have also been focusing on the SkillsUSA Geospatial Technology Competition, which I am planning to attend if I can raise enough money.

Hopefully after the semester ends, I will be able to post more frequently.  There are a couple of college and GIS tip posts that I have planned for the near future.  Until then, I have added a few things to the site:

• University of California – Los Angeles was added to the GIS College list.  They recently announced the addition of a certificate program in Geographic Information Systems and Technology.
• White Mountains Community College was added to the GIS College list.  This college offers a one year certificate program and a two year A.S. degree.
• University of Alaska – Anchorage was added to the GIS College list.  They offer a certificate program, an A.A.S. degree, and a B.S. degree.