5-1

5Tour of ArcMap and ArcCatalog

ArcGIS for Assessors 1

5-2

Chapter OverviewWorking with Catalog WindowViewing Item Description (Metadata)Understanding the Home Folder ShortcutUnderstanding the Default Geodatabase ShortcutThe ArcMap Table of ContentsThe Attribute TableDocking and Autohiding WindowsUsing the Pan/Zoom ToolsUsing Identify to See the Data Behind a PolygonFinding Features with the Find toolMeasuring Distances on the MapCustomizing the Toolbars (the basics)

5-3

Tour of ArcCatalog

5-4

Working with Catalog WindowThe Catalog window for

organizing and managing GIS data by grouping it collectively.From the Catalog window you can:– Browse and add data

directly to the map– Establish folder

connections– Designate default

geodatabases – Access the Home Folder

5-5

Working with Catalog WindowAlways use ArcCatalog, not Windows Explorer to manage GIS

dataArcCatalog understands and maintains the relationships of files that compose GIS layers

5-6

MetadataThe metadata is a document that states what should be provided for maps along with pertinent tables and tools.Access by right-clicking the feature in the Catalog window and selecting the Item Description menu option.

5-7

Home Folder ShortcutEach map has a Home folder, this is the directory where the map document is stored

5-8

Default Geodatabase Shortcut Each map document can

have a default geodatabaseAny files created in that map session go to this geodatabase by default.Can be set in Map Properties

5-9

The ArcMap Table of ContentsThe Table of Contents lists all the layers in your map.

Four different ways to display.

• List By Drawing Order

• List By Source

• List By Visibility

• List By Selection

5-10

The Attribute TableEvery layer has an attribute tableTo open the table, right-click on the layer and choose Open Attribute Table.There is one record for each feature on the map.

5-11

The Attribute TableTo open the table, right-click on the layer and choose Open Attribute Table.

Multiple tables open in separate tabs!

5-12

Docking WindowsAlmost every window is dockable.– Table window, Identify tool, Attributes window.– Double-click a title-bar to dock/undock the window.– Blue targets for docked position.

• Hover over a target for a preview.• Dock left, right, above, or below

other windows.• Stack windows for tabbed display.

– Not selecting a target will keep the window floating on top.

5-13

Autohiding WindowsHover mouse over the tab or click on it to unhide the window.Use the pushpin to set visibility.– Always visible– Set to autohide

5-14

Using the Pan/Zoom ToolsPan and Zoom tools accessed by:– Tools toolbar– Layer context menu

5-15

IdentifyThe identify tool let’s the user view attribute values for a featureBy selecting the county of Arkansas you will receive data stored in the attribute tableThe Identify from: drop-down specifies which layer(s) to identify

5-16

FindFind a feature– Parcel– Section Township Range

Find an address using GeoStor_Locator.

5-17

MeasureThe Measure tool allows the user to measure distances and areas of a line or polygon on your map.The user can also click directly on a feature to get measurement data.

5-18

ToolbarsThere are many toolbars in ArcMap, such as the Editor toolbar, and the Georeferencing toolbarTo turn toolbars on: select Customize -> Toolbars -> check the desired toolbar

5-19

Customize ToolbarsToolbars can be customized by adding additional tools

1 2

3

Search for command (tool), choose category, and select command

Drag tool to toolbar

End result:

You can also drag tools off a toolbar while in Customize Mode

5-20

Tour of ArcMap and ArcCatalog

Exercise 5