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.

GIS Modeling in Raster

I just finished up a class using the book: GIS Modeling in Raster by Michael N. DeMers.  At first I was a bit overwhelm with the content of the book, but it all soon fell into place.  This book has been out for several years now, but it is one of the best available on the subject of rasters (some see this as both a positive and negative).

The book begins by covering the various features that can be represented with rasters.  I found it interesting that the square grid is not the only type of grid, but triangle, parallelogram, and hexagon could also be used.  Types of rasters discussed included the simple raster, extended raster, quadtrees, and cellular automata.

A key element to rasters is map algebra.  This topic covers conceptualizing zero through two-dimensional space with grid cells and conceptualizing three-dimensional space with grid cells.  The map algebra chapter provides a very good introduction to manipulations.  A variety of operators and functions are covered.  For a more detailed section on functional operations, chapter 4 covers trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic, reclassification, selection, and statistical.

Chapter 5, 6, and 7 covers the whole modeling gamut.  Chapter 5 starts it off with how to think spatially.  Identifying patters within the data is covered.  Learning how to use tools such as landscape, literature survey, maps, aerial photography, and statistical techniques to identify these patterns.  Within modeling essentials, types of GIS models are discussed.  The models include those based on purpose, methodology, and logic.  With the basics of modeling covered, the flow of the book moves into conceptualizing the model.  This begins with defining your goals, adding the spatial dimension, and identifying data elements.  With the model conceptualized, chapter 7 shows how to carry out your model.

The book is summed up with techniques for conflict resolution and prescriptive modeling along with verification, validation, and acceptability.  The areas covered here include the orpheus land use allocation model, consensus building, hierarchical techniques, statistical techniques, and displaced fuzzy ideal.  Additionally, there are sections on model correctness, parsimony, and model acceptance.

Overall, this is an excellent textbook and great reference source.  Although I found it a little hard to read in some spots, I was able to benefit and apply many concepts to my daily work flow.  Also note that there is downloadable data made available that corresponds to the chapter concepts.

• Chapter 1: Introduction
• Chapter 2: Nature of the Data
• Chapter 3: Map Algebra
• Chapter 4: Characterizing the Functional Operations
• Chapter 5: Modeling Essentials
• Chapter 6: Conceptualizing the Model
• Chapter 7: Model Formulation, Flowcharting, and Implementation
• Chapter 8: Conflict Resolution and Prescriptive Modeling
• Chapter 9: Model Verification, Validation, and Acceptability

Check out this book for yourself: GIS Modeling in Raster

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

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 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

Create ArcMap Annotation

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.

Related Books

Elements of Cartography

Making Maps: A Visual Guide to Map Design for GIS

Designing Better Maps: A Guide for GIS Users

Enhance Your ArcMap Legends

The cartographic design of a map is an important part to the delivery of your information.   One of the key features is the legend.  It defines how the map is perceived.  If the legend is not presented in a helpful role, then the map is of no value.  There are many elements to a legend.  Understanding each area and how they work is important.  Here are some excellent insights to ArcMap legends that are within this video:

• Multiple Columns
• Titles
• Frames
• Drop Shadows
• Layers Swatches
• Font Types
• Description Layouts

Check it out and take your maps to the next level!

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

Related Readings

Creating a Whole Page Legend in ArcMap

Multi-Lined Legend Labels in ArcMAP

ArcGIS Tutorial: Manually Editing the Legend in ArcGIS/ArcMAP

Related Books

Making Maps: A Visual Guide to Map Design for GIS
Designing Better Maps: A Guide for GIS Users

ArcMap Symbology by Quantity

Symbolizing features is an important part to cartography and map making.  Most GIS users symbolize based up one symbology type or unique values.  Although this may be appropriate in most cases, you also have the capability to symbolize based upon numeric values within the attribute table of a feature class.

Begin by reviewing your attribute table.  Find the numeric attribute you would like to symbolize by. Now notice in the first image, the parcels layer is symbolized with a single symbol.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Double click the layer or right click the layer and choose properties to open up the layer properties.  With this dialog open you will see many tabs.  Choose the Symbology tab.  This will bring up many options to symbolize by.  On the left, you have the options of Features, Categories, Quantities, Charts, and Multiple Attributes.  Take time to study these areas as they will open a multitude of symbology option.

 

 

However, for this demonstration click on Quantities.  Select Graduated Colors.  Notice The Fields area.  Select the attribute that you would like to symbolize by.  Normalization is an important feature to keep in mind.  You can normalize by percent of total or another field.  You can select the number of classes as well.  Then select the color range that you desire.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The output will reflect the options that you select.  The table of contents will show this symbolization as will the legend.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope this tip helps further your use of ArcGIS.  Enjoy!

If you have a question, feel free to ask!

Related Sites

ArcMAP Symbols

Basic Cartography

Saving New ArcMap Symbol

Related Book

Making Maps: A Visual Guide to Map Design for GIS
How to Lie with Maps (2nd Edition)
Designing Better Maps: A Guide for GIS Users

Edit Polygon Graphic Vertices

Graphics can be very useful.  They are a great way to show a representation in a quick but effective manor.  Even with ArcGIS 9.2 you can do a selection by graphic.  You can also determine length and area with graphics.  Although there are many uses, the polygon graphic can be frustrating during creation.  Creation entails clicking to place each vertex.  The problems arise when you make a wrong click.  Usually, you start over with the polygon; however, you can actually edit the vertices similar to editing a feature.

On the drawing tool bar click the graphic vertex button.  This will allow all vertices of the graphic to appear.  You can then move a vertex to the desired location and finish you graphic.

Although very simple, this tip proves to be a great time saver.

Rotate ArcMap Data Frame

From time to time, you might find a need to rotate your data frame.  Many people do not realize that it is even possible.  They find that their map would look better if they could just make the slight tweak.  Well this task can be done with just a few clicks.

1.  Open the data frame properties.  Notice the orientation of the United States.

2.  Under the general tab, enter the desired rotation angle for the data frame.

With this new rotation angle set, your data frame will reflect the change.

Also note that on the layout view, the north arrow will rotate with the data frame.

ADDITIONAL TIP…..

If you rotate your data frame often and would like a more interactive way to do it, then turn on the Data Frame Tools toolbar from the tools menu.

With this tool bar you can click the rotate button and rotate the data frame interactively.  There is also a reset button as well to bring the data frame back to true north.