Geog 206: Intro to GIS
Fall 2010
1. What types of software products are included in ArcGIS and which one will we be using most in this course?
The three types of software products included in ArcGIS are ArcMap, ArcCatalog, and ArcToolbar. We will be using ArcMap the most.
2. Would it be better to perform most of your data analysis and layer symbolization in data or layout view? Why?
It would be better to perform most data analysis through data view since it's easier to navigate and easier to edit layers, also because it lets you edit in single frames.
3. What are two ways to obtain help for ArcGIS Desktop?
Two ways to obtain help from ArcGIS Desktop is by clicking shift F1 or by left clicking on the help button on the far right of the main toolbar.
4. How are attributes linked to geographic features?
Attributes are linked to geographic features through a unique ID in a row of the attribute table.
5. What is the file extension of an ArcMap document?
The file extension of an ArcMap document is .mxd.
6. What are two ways to zoom in/zoom out on a map?
Two ways to zoom in/out on a map is by using the scroll on the mouse by rolling it up or down or by selecting the magnifying glass in the floating toolbar.
7. List three operations available in the ‘context menu’ of a layer. Hint: Right‐clicking with your mouse in the TOC should help you with this question.
Three operations available in the 'context menu' of a layer are open attribute table, zoom to layer and convert features to graphics.
8. If the check box next to a layer in the table of contents is grayed‐out, what does this mean? How would you resolve this issue?
If the check box next to a layer in the table of contents is grayed‐out it means the layer is not visible because the map is too far zoomed out and to fix it right click on the layer in the TOC and click 'zoom to make visible.'
9. What are the differences between large and small scale maps? Provide an example of each.
Large scale maps means the scale ration is large which means the map is zoomed in, for example a map of a city. Small scale maps have a small scale ratio which means you see more area, for example a map of the world.
10. Describe the differences between features and surfaces. Provide an example for each.
A feature is something located on the map whereas the surface is the ground area of a map. For example a feature might be a church and the surface would be the plot of land the church sits on.
11. A GIS is a useful problem‐solving tool. You can do all of the following tasks with it, except one. Which one?
a. Create project criteria
b. Query data
c. Display data on a report
d. Store project data
Using the existing ArcMap document “Ex03c.mxd”, and the knowledge and skills you have gained from the Chapter 3 exercises, answer the following questions:
12. What are the minimum and maximum elevations of the cities Earhart visited? Briefly describe how you determined these values.
The minimum elevation is in New Orleans at 0 and the maximum elevation is in Tucson at 1,045. To find these values open the attributes table for 'cities Earhart visited' and sort the elevation ascending. Now you can find the minimum and minimum elevations.
13. On the continent of Africa, what is the approximate distance (in miles) from Dakar to Assab? What are two techniques (one tool and one process) you could use to figure this out?
The distance between Dakar and Assab is 4,212 miles. Two ways to figure this out are selecting the ruler in the floating toolbox and clicking on one city and then the other or opening the attributes table for 'flight path' and highlighting the lengths of the from cities Dakar and Massawa. Then right click on the header length and select statistics and there you will find the sum.
14. What are two possible methods you could use to figure out the names of the cities shown on the map?
Two ways to find the names of the cities on the map are by scrolling over the cities or under properties for the layer 'citeis Earhart visited,' under the labels tab check the box 'Label features in this layer.'
15. Zoom to the extent of North and South America so that all the cities Earhart visited are labeled. Capture a screen shot (Alt + PrtScr) of this view and paste into your Word document (Ctrl+v). Turn in this screen shot with your answers from this sheet.
Due: Wednesday, September 8th, 2010
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