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:
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.
ArcMap Erase Tool – Video Tutorial
March 31, 2009 by Timothy
Filed under ArcToolbox, GIS Tips, Videos
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:
- Open ArcToolbox -> Analysis Tools -> Overlay ->Erase Tool
- Fill in Dialog Box
- Input Features
- Erase Features
- Output Feature Class
- 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.
Buffering Features in ArcGIS
Buffering is a useful technique in GIS. It is referred to as a proximity tool in ArcToolbox. It can be applied to points, polylines, and polygons. Some valuable uses include: Right-of-ways, Tree diameters, Sex Offender Exclusion Zones, Study Areas, Impervious Surfaces from a Centerline, Evacuation Zone of Weather Events, etc.
To perform a single distance buffer:
1. Open the Buffer Tool – ArcToolbox >Proximity >Buffer
2. Fill Inputs
- Input Features (Points, Polylines, Polygons)
- Output Feature Class
- Linear Unit (Distance of Buffer) This can also come from a attribute field value.
The remaining entries are optional.
The new output layer from the buffer will be added to the map (circles around red dots).
To perform a multiple distance buffer:
1. Open the Multiple Ring Buffer Tool – ArcToolbox >Proximity >Multiple Ring Buffer
2. Fill Inputs
- Input Features (Points, Polylines, Polygons)
- Output Feature Class
- Enter each buffer distance.
The remaining entries are optional.
The new output layer from the buffer will be added to the map. Notice that I have used the dissolve option. This causes the buffer rings to dissolve based up distance.
Utilizing the ArcMap Draw Toolbar
Creating and editing graphic elements can become very time consuming within ArcMap; however, there is a valuable help called the Draw Toolbar. The tools within this toolbar will help you save time and become more productive with your work. Your cartographic productions will benefit from these tools.
Learn how to quickly change an element’s properties without accessing the properties dialog. Discover new techniques to manipulate each element and even convert them to a feature class. Do more now by watching this video!
This video covers the following areas:
- Draw Menu
- Select Elements
- Rotate Elements
- Zoom to Elements
- Add Elements
- Change Element Size
- Change Element Color
- Change Annotation Font
Stop wasting your valuable time and learn a new tip today!
Note: Videos are broadcast through youtube.com. Some browsers may block this content.
Download the video to your computer: ArcMap Draw Toolbar
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What’s new in ArcGIS 9.3 – Mapping
Easily Create a Custom Google Map
February 18, 2009 by Timothy
Filed under GIS Tips, Google Maps
Google maps are all around us. These maps can be embeded into websites. They can also be customized to include various types of information for display.
Instead of looking up temporary maps, you can create custom maps with various elements like pushpins, lines, and polygons that can be saved and accessed on demand. These maps can be accessed with a direct link or placed on a web page.
To create a custom map:
1. Go to Google Maps
Make sure you are logged into Google so that your map is saved under your account. If you do not have a Google account, you can create one here.
2. Click on My Maps
3. Click Create new map
4. Enter map information
- Map Title
- Description
- Privacy Settings
- Public
- Unlisted
5. Add additional elements to map
- Add a Placemark
- Add text to information balloon
- Draw a Line
- Will give you distance of line
- Draw a Shape
- Will give you area of shape
6. Click Done to save map
Note: You can make changes to your map by clicking the Edit button.
With your own custom map, you can now embed it into your own webpage or blog.
Check out the Embed Basic Google Maps into Websites.
Show Area Vetices while Editing in ArcMap
Finding a vertex to snap to can be very challenging while editing. With snapping turn on, you can slowly more your cursor along the desired path and the cursor will snap to the nearest vertex. Although this can be affective, there is a great risk that a vertex may be missed. Showing the vertices within the area of you cursor can help you find all vertices while preventing gaps from forming within the data.
Simply press [V] to show the vertices in the area of the cursor. Remember that you must be editing during this procedure. This saves time and helps you to be more productive while editing in ArcMap. (See Example)
Screenshot of edit session
Screenshot of edit session while using [V]
Embed Basic Google Maps into Websites
February 10, 2009 by Timothy
Filed under GIS Tips, Google Maps
Google Maps are becoming more and more common on websites. They are being used to show business locations, directions, news happenings, etc. Very rarely now can you go to a website without encountering a map. Although Google Maps appear very high-tech, they can be easily placed into any website or blog with just a few steps. Make sure you are not missing out on the technology available today.
To Embed a Google Map:
1. Decide where you would like to have the map located.
I have decided to place a map on my Google Mapz page under the Create Map section. This example is being done through Weebly (A free, simple to use website host and editor).
2. Go to Google Maps and zoom in on the extent of desired map.
I have zoomed in on the Washington, DC area.
3. Select Link from the top right hand corner of the page.
This will give you the option to copy the actual page link or embed with html.
4. Copy HTML code from embed window.
Highlight code and right click to copy or Ctrl + C.
5. Paste HTML code into web page editor.
Make sure you are placing this where HTML can be read and not directly as plain text. To paste, right click in area and choose paste or Ctrl +V.
6. Publish web page
The map is now embedded within my web page with a matter a minutes. Try it out today!
Related Books
Beginning Google Maps Mashups with Mapplets, KML, and GeoRSS: From Novice to Professional
Geocoding – Guide to Address Locating in ArcMap
January 27, 2009 by Timothy
Filed under ArcGIS, Data Management, GIS Tips
Geocoding is a process that enables you to match database records to a real world location based upon attribute fields such as addresses, PINs, Cities, etc. Carrying out this process in ArcMap is very simple and can be completed in just a few steps.
Note: This example uses addresses, but other attributes can be used.
1. Compile Address Table – This can be done in excel, access, or other compatible file format .
Read more on: Excel in ArcGIS Desktop
2. Create Address Locator – The address locator will be based upon the data that needs to be located and the reference data.
- Open ArcCatalog
- Open desired folder for Locator to be saved in
- Right click in contents area
- Click New -> Address Locator…
3. Choose Locator Style – This will depend upon the source data and reference data. These data types need to correlate.
4. Set Address Locator Options
- Name and Description
- Reference data – The data you will match to such as address points, streets, or city points.
- Match corresponding fields – This will vary by locator style. US Streets is shown here.
- Set Matching Options – You will find which configuration works best through trial and error.
- Click Ok
Your locator has now been create and is shown in ArcCatalog via the “House” icon.
5. Add Address Table to Map – You can add Excel tables directly into ArcMap (9.2 or later) or create a .dbf table to be added in.
6. Right Click Table -> Geocode Addresses…
7. Add Locator to Map and Select it to be Used – You will need to browse to the folder (via the “Add..” button) that contains the created locator.
8. Complete Locator/Geocoding Options
- Select Corresponding Input Fields
- Choose Output Location
- Click Ok
Status is updated during geocoding process and results are shown on map.
10. You can Review or Rematch Any Address
- Right Click on geocoded point file in Table of Contents
- Data -> Review/Rematch ddresses…
- Follow options in Interactive Rematch Dialog
Formating Legend Labels for Symbology by Quantities
January 22, 2009 by Timothy
Filed under ArcGIS, Cartography, GIS Tips
ArcMap legend labels always seem to come out in an undesired format and always need adjustments. For layers that are symbolized based upon quantity there is an easy way to change the number format. (If you are not sure how to symbolize by quantity, read ArcMap Symbology by Quantity.) When symbolizing quantities that need format adjustments, you can edit each label individually or use the built in format option. To use this option:
1. Open Layer Properties for desired layer.
2. Symbolize layer based upon quantity.
3. Left Click the Label Heading.
Notice the number of decimal places.
4. Choose Format Labels…
5. Make desired changes.
*Note: You can change number type such as currency, direction, percentage, rate, fraction, angle, etc. There is also the ability to round and set alignment. Also notice the additional options available.
6. Click Ok.
Results are shown and updated in the legend. Notice that only one decimal place is now shown. Remember that this is also updated in the legend.
ArcMap Selection Types
Selection is one of the most important features within ArcMap. Understanding the various types of selection will not only increase your productivity but will enable you to find better techniques for your analysis. Take a few minutes and watch the video below. You will learn some tips to select by attribute, location, and graphic.
Here is a brief outline for each selection type:
- Select by Attribute
- Selection Menu
- Select by Attribute
- Choose Selection Layer
- Choose Selection Methods
- Enter Query Statement
- Field
- Operator
- Value
- Select Apply
- Select by Attribute
- Selection Menu
- Select by Location
- Selection Menu
- Select by Location
- Choose what features to select
- Choose Selection Layer
- Choose Selection Method
- Choose Relation Features
- Select Apply
- Select by Location
- Selection Menu
- Select by Graphic
- Draw Graphic on Map
- Selection Menu
- Select by Graphic
Note: Videos are broadcast through youtube.com. Some browsers may block this content.
Download the video to your computer: ArcMap Selection Methods
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GIS Tutorial Updated for ArcGIS 9.2: Workbook for Arc View 9, second edition
Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop: Basics of ArcView, Arceditor, and Arcinfo
