ArcGIS Explorer – Setting Relative Paths
As you begin developing your ArcGIS Explorer presentation you will find many new and helpful additions to make it one of a kind. The time you spend developing the presentation is well worth the wow-effect people see with this software. Most of the time you create your presentations on a desktop computer and then present it on another computer. By moving your files from one system to the other, the data paths can easily be corrupted. This can cause a big headache if you find the problem as you are fixing to present. Fortunately, there is a way to prevent this problem.
In ArcMap there is the option to store relative paths for the data layers you add to your map. This same feature is available in ArcGIS Explorer. A few quick steps will put you on your way out the door with no worries for your presentation data.
1. Click the Office Button and select Map Properties
2. Under Data Access check the Store relative paths option
3. Save your presentation
If you found this tip helpful, try these other ArcGIS Explorer tips:
ArcGIS Explorer – Adding Slides
ArcGIS Explorer – Change Color Scheme
This example uses ArcGIS Explorer 900. If you don’t have it, download ArcGIS Explorer 900 for free today!
ArcGIS Explorer – Adding Slides
In ArcGIS Explorer 900 you are able to create dynamic presentations. There is the ability to go from a slide presentation directly into an interactive map. You can then go back to the slides all within this one program. There is not a slide creation method in ArcGIS Explorer. The only text you can add in are title that appear at the top of the screen. In order to add slides, they must be created in another program and added in as a *.PNG file. This can be done through either PowerPoint or a graphics program such as Photoshop. This example uses Microsoft PowerPoint.
1. Create slide in Microsoft PowerPoint
2. Save slide as a Portable Graphics Network Format (*.png)
3. Choose either current slide or every slide
4. Add content -> Image Overlays…
This example uses ArcGIS Explorer 900. If you don’t have it, download ArcGIS Explorer 900 for free today!
ArcGIS Explorer – Adding Data
The new ArcGIS Explorer 900 has some really cool features to make exploring the globe fairly simple. With ArcGIS Explorer, adding data could not be any easier. Looking at data already provided my ESRI, Bing, USGS, etc. is one thing. Adding in data, specifically your own makes ArcGIS Explorer even more useful.
Data that can be added in includes: ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Layers, Map Content Files, KML Files, GIS Services, Shapefiles, Raster Data, Geodatabase Data, Text Files, GPS Data Files, and Image Overlays.
Each of these data elements can be added directly from the Add Content button on the Home Menu ribbon. By clicking the Add Content button, a menu like the one on the right will show and you can choose your data type. Follow the specific directions provided and the data will be added into the Contents Window. The data will be shown with various icons to indicate the data type.
One type of data that can be added in that will preserve the symbology is ArcGIS Layers and ArcGIS Layer Packages. The symbology that is create in ArcMap can be shown in ArcGIS Explorer. Since explorer has limited symbology, this helps take visualization to the next level. The difference between ArcGIS Layers and ArcGIS Layer Packages is that the packages area created so that both the data and symbology can be easily move from one computer to another computer in one file package. The Layers can be used, but the data must reside on the some computer.
To create a layer package:
1. Right click the desired layer from the table of contents.
2. Click Create Layer Package…
3. Designate where to save the file.
4. A conformation of completion will pop up in an alert.
You can then use or send the file however you would like.
This example uses ArcGIS Explorer 900. If you don’t have it, download ArcGIS Explorer 900 for free today!
ArcGIS Explorer – Change Color Scheme
The color scheme of ArcGIS Explorer can become boring after some time. Fortunately, you are not stuck with the blue color. In a few simple steps, the color scheme can be changed to either blue, aqua, black, or silver. This will help liven your desktop up a bit or even add that special touch to your presentation. This same concept is very similar to the Office 2007 products with the ribbon toolbar. Try it out on Explorer and you favorite Office 2007 products.
1. Click the Explorer Button (Office Button).
2. Click ArcGIS Explorer Options.
3. Under the Common tab, choose your desired color scheme.
Blue Color Scheme
Black Color Scheme
This example uses ArcGIS Explorer 900. If you don’t have it, download ArcGIS Explorer 900 for free today!
