FAQ
Frequently Asked GIS Questions
I can't find data or drives! |
Unlike most programs, ArcGIS doesn't use Windows Explorer to show you the files on your computer. It uses ArcCatalog, and not all drives are mapped by default. To map a drive so it shows up as a folder when you are trying to add data to ArcMap: Open ArcCatalog, right-click on catalog in the left frame, Connect Folder, and locate the folder you want to access from ArcMap. |
How do I change the increments of meters on my scale bar? |
After inserting a scale bar, you can right click on it to change the scale and units. Once you've found a general scale that works with your map, you can have the bar adjust by width and input a division value (i.e 100m) that works for you. |
Can I have more than one 'map' on a page? |
Yes. In ArcMap, you can have several data frames on a single map layout. This is often done for map insets where a map showing the general location of a detailed map is inset within the larger map. To add data frames, Insert/Data Frame; drag it to where you want it; and start adding data layers. |
When I insert text it forms a single block of text that I can't resize! |
It does not appear that you can resize text frames the way you can most frames. If you have a large text block, you must insert hard returns yourself to get the text to show up on different lines. Another option is to format the text in Word and Insert/Object/Microsoft Word Document. |
When I export a .pdf, I lose my fonts! |
When you use the "export map" function of ArcGIS to create a PDF, make sure that you look at the Format tab at the bottom of the dialog box in the OPTIONS of the "Export Map" dialog box. If you check boxes to "embed all document fonts" it will fix this problem. |
How do I get my Excel table into a geodatabase? |
ArcMap is picky about table formats. The easiest way to do this is to import your table into Access and then import the Access database into your geodatabase. |
ArcToolbox doesn't have a way to complete the task I want to perform! |
Try one of the following... http://www.spatialecology.com/htools/ (Several handy vector and raster tools) www.crwr.utexas.edu/gis/gishydro06/ (ArcHydro Hydrography tools) http://support.esri.com/index.cfm?fa=downloads.gateway (ArcScripts, Samples, and Utilities) |