ArcMap Erase Tool – Video Tutorial

The erase tool can help save a ton of editing time.  Its main purpose is to perform an overlay analysis.  The most common tool used for this is Clip, but output of this tool is just the overlap portion of your feature class.  To be able to carry out the opposite of this, you must use the Erase Tool.  The Erase Tool will remove the overlapped portion from the feature class and leave a shape that resembles a doughnut.

Although this demonstration show you how to use the erase tool at the ArcInfo license level, you can also do this at the lower levels such as ArcView or ArcInfo.  James Fee provided a great resource.  You can find the link at the bottom of this page.

To use the Erase Tool:

1. Open ArcToolbox -> Analysis Tools -> Overlay ->Erase Tool
2. Fill in Dialog Box
   • Input Features
   • Erase Features
   • Output Feature Class
3. Click OK

Note: Videos are broadcast through youtube.com.  Some browsers may block this content.

Download the video to your computer: ArcMap Erase Tool

If you do not have access to the ArcInfo software license, you can also learn how to Perform an Erase in ArcView.

CAD to GIS Shapefile

CAD files are created with extreme detail, but how can you use them in GIS?  These files do not work quite like GIS feature classes or shapefiles in spatial analysis.  They can be converted to a usable format through a few basic steps.

1. Add CAD file to ArcMap
2. Select by Attribute desired layers
3. Export selected features to shapefile or feature class
4. Add new layer to map

You can also use ArcToolbox to convert from CAD

1. ArcToolbox -> Conversion Tools -> Import From CAD
2. Select Input CAD File
3. Input New Geodatabase Name
4. Select Coordinate System (optional)
5. Click Ok

Here is a video for further demonstration.

Note: Videos are broadcast through youtube.com.  Some browsers may block this content.

ESRI also has some good courses for working with CAD files in GIS on their training website.

Related Readings

KarelCAD provide inputs on CAD and Geographical Information Systems

“What is spatial design, and how can it be applied to sustainability problems?”

What – There is a Better AutoCAD!?

Import From CAD and Chainsaws

ArcToolbox Batch Tool Process

Have you ever needed to run an ArcToolbox tool multiple times?  Here is an illustration for adding multiple fields to multiple shapefiles within one simple process.  The demonstration uses the ArcCatalog interface and uses the batch process to carry out the desired task.

Note: Videos are broadcast through youtube.com.  Some browsers may block this content.

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