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.

ESRI has just announced an updated version to one of their best selling books entitled Getting to Know ArcGIS.  This information coming out on December 1st through a ESRI Press Release. The enhancement has added about 18 pages and  updates the exercise data to be compatible with ArcGIS 9.3.

This book is a great resource for those who are looking to learn the ArcGIS interface.  As the press release states:

The workbook introduces GIS concepts and capabilities and describes the features and functionality in ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo, the core products in the ArcGIS Desktop line. Step-by-step exercises, accompanied by richly detailed illustrations, teach basic GIS tasks such as how to conduct spatial analysis, make maps, and build and edit spatial databases.

However, if you do not have ArcGIS 9.3 then the older version would be fine.  Both books contain the same quality information.  There is a slight price difference in the books though.

Getting to Know ArcGIS (9.3)

Getting to Know ArcGIS (9.2 and earlier)

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Getting to Know ArcGIS

GIS is a massive topic.  You can spend your entire lifetime studying this field and still not know it all.  And on top of that, studying can only get you so far.  You will begin to learn so much more by taking the initiative to explore hands on above and beyond any textbook.  

Even though I feel you can learn more by exploring, I would suggest you take a look at the Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop book.  This book is full of rich information covering GIS in the ArcGIS software environment.  The basics of ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo at version 9 are covered.  And it is obvious that this book cannot keep up with technology because later versions have already come out.  And although this is true, version 9 basics apply across the board even if you are using 9.3 or later.  I cannot stress enough the importance of know these basics since they will be your foundation of any building block you may apply.  

Explore it today and build a foundation for your future.

Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop: The Basics of ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo Updated for ArcGIS 9 (Getting to Know series)

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