GEOG 303 - Lab 1

Read through Chapters 1 and 2 - they are just basic ArcGIS information.

Work through Chapter 3. The data is on the data drive (J:\gtkarcgis\). Use ArcCatalog to copy the data you will need (ch 3) to your flash disk. Or the D drive... NEVER work directly off anything on the server - not only will things run slow, but you will not be able to save anything (you have only read rights). As you work through these chapters, remember that your data is on your flash drive, not wherever the book points you. Remember ALWAYS COPY/MOVE GIS FILES USING ArcCATALOG! Remember, the D drive is both local and public. Anyone sitting at that computer can and will alter/nuke your work.

I recommend that you only copy the data files you need for that week onto your flash drive - and nuke old data files when you've finished with the lab. HOWEVER, always save your writeups - it will save everyone major hassles if you (or I) lose them. If you ever want to save or print a map, pdf it.

Next thing to note. Be sure to set Arc to use relative paths. Otherwise, your .mxd (map) files will be messed up if you move the data. To set file paths to relative, goto FILE - Data Source Options - and set to relative path names. Also make that the default. It will save both you and anyone else using the computer major problems down the road.

Also note, when you save a map, you create a .mxd file. This file contains NO DATA. In short, it is simply a little file which contains commands re what data layers to draw, how to draw them, and additional text, etc. So, copying that file somewhere else without moving all the data means that you lose your map.

Provide brief answers to the following (must be typed):

a)  Chapter 3 walked you through an example of playing with some maps and data. Hallucinate (make up) and discuss (but don't try to do) two or more things you could do to expand/improve the data/analysis/maps made/worked with in this chapter.

b)  Describe "Spatial Bookmarks" - what are they and how are they useful? Your own words, do not copy things from help files or the book.

c)  What are some benefits of simultaneously working with data in both graphical and database formats?

d) In this chapter, you worked with three different sorts of data:points, polylines, and attributes. What are the roles each plays in this chapter (both as information to be used in interpretation AND as GIS data which is completely independent of the application). To clarify, explain what 'point, polyline, and attribute' data are (in general) and then describe how they are used in this chapter.

e) There is also a polygon dataset that you are using: the countries coverage. What sort of attribute data is associated with this data. How could YOU use it to improve the mapping project in this chapter? (I want a different answer than what you gave for question a). Again, a clarification - list the attributes found within the countries coverage and tell me how you could use that attribute data (in the countries coverage) to improve the analysis

Due date: monday, 5 october.  4 points.