Geocoding – Guide to Address Locating in ArcMap

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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

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

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

Calculate Lat/Long for Shapefile

Ever needed to add XY or Latitude/Longitude values to you shapefiles or feature classes?  Well, what seems to be a mystery can easily be done with just a few clicks.

The easiest way to get the lat/long values is to right click the field and select “Calculate Geometry…”. You can define whether to calculate x or y along with other geometries too.

Here is a more extensive video tutorial.

Read more

Customize ArcMap Toolbars

One of the greatest benefits of ArcMap is the ability to customize the tool bars.  There are many tools that are not visible on the standard tool bars.  Some users do not even know the extra tools exist.  The process requires only a few steps.

1. Click on the Tools menu at the top of the map document.

2. Select Customize….

This will open the Customize dialog.  The Toolbars tab allow you to select which toolbars are visible.  The Commands tab will bring up tools organized by categories.  The Options tab will allow you change certain settings.  I recommend  browsing through the commands; you never know what you might find.

3.  Once you find the tool you want, click and drag it to a location on a toolbar.

Customization of ArcGIS is a great benefit once you learn how to do it.  It will allow you to add and remove tools.  Customizing the interface can go as far you your imagination will take you.  For additional tips on customiztion and the begining of using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), I highly recommend the book: Getting to Know ArcObjects.  I got so hooked to this book that I read and worked through it in five days.  Get your copy today!

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.

Saving New ArcMap Symbol

Have you gotten to the point where you are tired of changing specific characteristics of a symbol over and over?  ArcMap enables you to save that symbology and save it in your own category.  Below you will find the steps to make life a little bit easier.

1.  After you have selected the specifics for your symbol, click the “Save…” button.

2.  Enter a value for the Symbol Name and Category.  The Category can be a previous one or you can create a new one.

3.  Once you have saved the file, change the Category drop box to the one you save the symbol under.  The newly saved symbol will be available.