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Adding Microsoft Virtual Earth to ArcGIS 9.3.1

Timothy — Tue, 05 May 2009 19:01:13 +0000

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.

Buffering Features in ArcGIS

Timothy — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:00:35 +0000

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

Timothy — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:00:59 +0000

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

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

GIS Boot Camp vs. Traditional Teaching

Timothy — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:00:06 +0000

I recently came across a post about the Introduction to GIS class at the University of Richmond. Kimberly Klinker changed up her Introduction to GIS class from the traditional lecture/lab format to a boot camp/project format. She did five weeks of teaching basic concepts of GIS and the ArcGIS software then used the remaining part of the semester to assign a project. Wondering what the result was? Well according to the article, it was a success. The class was able to present a project that helps students with disabilities transverse the campus (Read more on this project).

This teaching style may sound very strange and unorthodox, but the evolution of education is providing various techniques to help students learn. I must first commend Ms. Klinker for thinking outside of the box. I do not believe that the traditional style of learning through lecture is the best method for this technology. However, the boot camp method may also not be the best. You have to remember that each individual student has their own learning style. Some are able to use a self study workbook approach and learn more than sitting under the lecture of an experienced professor. Others may prefer the traditional classroom style, while there may be a few who even like to learn by trial and error through experience. Is there a particular learning style that works best for Geospatial Technology? I believe that this subject cannot be taught through just lecture. There must be some type of application. Having book knowledge is OK, but putting that knowledge to use is even better.

I like that fact that these students were able to take on a project from start to finish. Application, application, application is important! Knowing how to perform a task is one thing; being able to apply it is another. Students can be provided with the tools for Geospatial Technology, but they must also be able to discern when it is best to put them to use.

Does a mixture of learning styles produce the best environment for learning GIS, or is there a particular style that works best?

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Show Area Vetices while Editing in ArcMap

Timothy — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 02:07:54 +0000

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]

Formating Legend Labels for Symbology by Quantities

Timothy — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 01:54:17 +0000

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

Timothy — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 05:02:31 +0000

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 Location
- Selection Menu
  - Select by Location
    - Choose what features to select
    - Choose Selection Layer
    - Choose Selection Method
    - Choose Relation Features
    - Select Apply

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
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop: Basics of ArcView, Arceditor, and Arcinfo

American River College GIS Program

Timothy — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:54:20 +0000

The American River College is a two-year community college located in Sacramento, CA. They are classified in the top ten community colleges within California based on their enrollment of almost 32,000 students with the average class size at 22. The college offers over 30 certificate programs and over 40 degree programs.

American River College has provided a GIS program since 1997 with the approval of certificate and degree programs beginning in 2001. They offer an Interdisciplinary Applications Certificate and an A.S. Degree in GIS. These programs are comprised of 15 different GIS courses. Although none of these GIS courses are offered online, they do hope to be using the online format in the near future.

Students who enroll into the program have access to a state of the art computer facility with the latest GIS software. ArcView (with extensions) is also provided as a take home solution with a one year student license. In addition to ArcGIS, students are able to have hands-on experience with other GIS software such as GPS software and Erdas Imagine.

The GIS program faculty is made up of both full time and adjunct professors. Each full time faculty member brings a wealth of experience to the classroom. From coauthoring GIS books to establishing GIS curriculum this faculty helps support a quality program. The adjunct faculty also brings experience from governmental GIS divisions that include California Fish and Game and the City of Sacramento.

Those students wishing to transfer to a four-year college may do so, but must be cautioned because GIS courses at American River College are lower division and universities classify their GIS course as upper division. There are some universities that may allow certain courses to transfer, but you will need to contact the university directly to see what will transfer. Universities like Humboldt and Berkeley would be a place to start.

Students who choose not to pursuer a four year degree have the option to go out directly into the workplace. Although students are not provided directly with internships, they are kept up to date on local job availability. An interesting fact to note is that the typical GIS student at American River College is a working professional with the average age at 28.

The American River College GIS program has been recognized by the California Geographic Information Association with the “Excellence in Education” award. In addition, the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) has presented the program with the “Special Achievement in GIS” award.

For more information visit: http://web.arc.losrios.edu/~earthsci/gis.htm

Thank you to Dr. Hugh Howard for providing some great information.

Note: The information within this article has been thoroughly researched but should be verified with the college. Publication of this article was not initiated by the college but is the sole work of GIS Pathway.

ArcMap Annotation Properties

Timothy — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 03:15:13 +0000

Map annotation that is created either through the annotation tool or by creating annotation by converting dynamic labels can be edited further beyond just the font and placement.

For example if you change the scale of the annotation, it will not adjust. You can delete the annotation and recreate it. However, there is an easier way!

To change the reference scale of map annotation:

1. Right click on the data frame in the Table of Contents.

2. Choose Properties…

3. Go to the Annotation Group tab.

Notice that this is the where annotation is managed when you convert it from labels to be stored in the map. Annotation that is created manually through the annotation tool is also managed here.

Under this tab you can turn annotation on and off.

4. Highlight the annotation group to be changed.

5. Click Properties…

6. Change the reference scale to the proper setting.

Under properties you can change:

annotation name

associated layer

reference scale

visibility scale

7. Click OK to confirm changes.

The reference scale has now been updated to the correct scale, and the annotation shows correctly.

Making Maps: A Visual Guide to Map Design for GIS

Designing Better Maps: A Guide for GIS Users

Create ArcMap Annotation

Timothy — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 03:08:31 +0000

Annotation is a valuable resource for creating labels. Annotation can be created in two ways: either manually through the labeling tool or by converting the dynamic labels into annotation. The later is a big time saver when creating a lot of labels.

When creating labels through conversion, you are given the option to save the annotation in a geodatabase or the map document. If you will be using the annotation in another map project then use the geodatabase option. Otherwise, saving in the map would be fine. When you convert to annotation, the labels are created at the current scale.

1. Set desired font and layout.

2. Turn on labels.

3. Right click on layer to have labels converted.

4. Set annotation settings.

5. Select storage type and which features to create annotation for.

Notice the reference scale on the top right. This is the scale at which the annotation will be view correctly. Learn how to change this in the ArcMap Annotation Properties.

6. Click Convert.

The labels have now been converted to annotation. You can select the text and change its location along with other properties as well.

One thing to note with annotation is that if you change the scale, the annotation does not adjust. You can delete the annotation and recreate it using the previous steps. However, there is an easier way by following the steps in the ArcMap Annotation Properties post! You can also learn how to turn on/off map annotation without having to delete it.