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.

Compare Vehicle MPG by Map

A new website produced by ESRI will map the distance that your car will be able to travel as compared to an another vehicle of your choosing base on one gallon of gas.  The site, http://mapmpg.com, allows you to select a vehicles by year, make, and model.  A distance polygon is calculated for each vehicle and then routed based upon the location that you select.

Although this is pretty neat feature, ESRI is using this site to promote its BusinessMap software.  This software uses tools to help businesses run extensive analysis.

Other than the BusinessMap motive, this site is pretty cool!