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Introduction to ArcGIS


ArcMap 9.2 is a GIS (geographic information system) software made by ESRI.  It is primarily used for vector data but has raster capabilities.  ArcMap allows you to display, query, and manipulate geographic data layers, including converting between raster and vector formats.  ArcCatalog allows you to navigate your folders for data preview and metadata, as well as to add, delete, and copy files, make and edit metadata, and make geodatabases and models.  ArcToolbox allows you to perform dozens of functions on your data, though you may not have the tool extension necessary to access the tool you wish to use.  Advice and helpful user made scripts can be found at the ESRI user forums.  


ArcMap refers to the ESRI product that includes the following versions: ArcView, ArcInfo, ArcInfo Workstation, and ArcSDE.  With the exception of ArcSDE these products are meant for the display, querying, and manipulation of georeferenced datasets.  ArcSDE is meant for RDBM (relational database management).

Note that ArcMap 9.3 allows for more conditional rules in ModelBuilder.

Note that .mxd and .tbx files made in ArcMap 9.3 must be saved as 9.2 versions before they can be opened by 9.2

Note that not all tool extensions can be activated by ArcView.  Use ArcInfo if you want access to all tools.

ArcInfo workstation uses coverages rather than shapefiles as its native file format, and can perform more functions relating to topology and geometric repair than ArcView or ArcInfo.



Subpages (2): How to Use ArcGIS Tasks in ArcGIS