Convert Polygons to Points in ArcGIS

During analysis it is important to keep various techniques at hand as the data sometime requires creative thinking to carry out certain tasks in a feasible way.  One of these techniques to have handy is the ability to convert polygons to points.

In ArcInfo there is a tool that allows this to be done.

ArcToolBox –>Data Management Tools –>Features –>Feature to Point

However, if you have a lower license, there is a simple workaround.  (The headings are links to specific demonstrations of these steps.)

Calculate Lat/Long for Shapefile

1. Add X and Y fields to your polygon attribute table

2. Calculate the X and Y coordinates

3. Export the attribute table to a new *.dbf

Create Point File from XY Data

4. Add new table to map document

5. Add XY event layer

6. Export temporary XY event layer file to permanent file

Easily Paste ArcGIS Maps into Documents

Placing maps into documents such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, and PowerPoint can become a pain at times.  The usual process involves exporting the map into some type of image file.  The file is then inserted into your desired document.  For some projects this is fine and may even be necessary; however for those quick put-together projects there is an easier way.  ArcMap has a menu item that allows your current extent (data view) or page layout to be copied to the clipboard.  The image can then be pasted into your desired documents.  This goes beyond the Microsoft Suite and can even be imported into a graphics programs.  The benefits that this tip provides includes a savings in time and storage space.

To copy the map to the clipboard:

1. Click Edit -> Copy Map to Clipboard

2. See map image on clipboard

3. Paste image into document.  Click image on clipboard or press Ctrl-V.

Using the Layers Overview Window in ArcMap

A valuable tool in ArcMap that sometimes goes unnoticed is the Layers Overview Window.  When working on a map while zoomed in it is very easy to loose perspective of the actual location as compared to the overall map.  This can also be true when analyzing a feature class by zooming to selected records from the attribute table.  You usually have to stop and zoom out a significant amount to determine the location.  However, with the Layers Overview Window you can always know the area for which you are working.

This tool can be easily found and utilized with just a few simple steps.

1. Click Overview from Window Menu.

2. Next change the properties by right clicking on the Overview Window header to open the properties window.  Then change the desired settings.

Here you can change your reference layer, extent symbol and background color.

Here is an example of the Layer Overview window in use.  The Overview window can also be resized as well.

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.

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

Related GIS Pathway Articles

ArcMap Annotation Properties

Create ArcMap Annotation

Saving New ArcMap Symbol

Related Readings

ESRI Mapping Center: Adding columns to text boxes

What’s new in ArcGIS 9.3 – Mapping

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]

Geocoding – Guide to Address Locating in ArcMap

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

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 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

Related Books

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

ArcMap Annotation Properties

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.

Related Books

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

Making Maps: A Visual Guide to Map Design for GIS

Designing Better Maps: A Guide for GIS Users

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