Author: mapasyst

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Sharing GIS Data: Using an ESRI Layer Package (.lpk)

You can use layer packages to share an individual dataset and its respective properties or individual datasets and their respective properties from ArcMap or ArcGIS Explorer (Build 1500 and newer) with other ArcMap or ArcGIS Explorer users. A layer package is created in ArcMap and contains the layer’s source data or layers’ source data and all the associated defined properties.

ArcGIS Explorer note: To have the full functionality described in this document, you must have ArcGIS Explorer version 1500 or …

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Sharing GIS Data: Using an ESRI Map Content File (.nmc)

You can use map content files to share datasets and their respective properties from ArcGIS Explorer with other ArcGIS Explorer users. A map content file is created within ArcGIS Explorer and contains the map and all of the associated data. 

Learn about other ESRI software formats you can use to share data.

 

Exporting GIS Data as a Map Content File from ArcGIS Explorer for Use in ArcGIS Explorer

You can draw point, line, and polygon features on a map by 

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Novel Ground Truth Method for Crop Fields Combining a Global Positioning System (GPS) and a Handheld Geographic Information System (HGIS)


Introduction

For the state of Arizona, Geographic Information System (GIS) map templates are created on an annual basis depicting the location of all potential crop fields.  These templates, along with a Global Positioning System (GPS) and Handheld Geographic Information System (HGIS), can be used to efficiently create a database of what crops were present during field visits and to assess the accuracy of crop classifications derived from remote sensing data.  These products can be easily created from inside a vehicle …

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What is the difference between raster and vector data?

Raster and vector are two very different but common data formats used to store geospatial data.
Vector data use X and Y coordinates to define the locations of points, lines, and areas (polygons) that correspond to map features such as fire hydrants, trails, and parcels. As such, vector data tend to define centers and edges of features.
Raster data, on the other hand, use a matrix of square areas to define where features are located. These squares, also called pixels, …

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What is slope, and why is it important?

Slope can be defined as the angle, inclination, steepness, or gradient of a straight line. Slope often is used to describe the steepness of the ground’s surface. Slope can be measured as the rise (the increase in elevation in some unit of measure) over the run (the horizontal distance measured in the same units as the rise). Many geographic information systems (GIS) can analyze digital elevation data (elevation points, contour lines, digital elevation models, etc.) and derive both slope and …

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What are some uses for GIS?

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be used to display spatial data and to solve problems that involve spatial factors. GIS is particularly useful for relating, integrating, and analyzing information from these different themes (or layers) of spatial information. Therefore, anything that can be placed on a map is a candidate for GIS, and so the variety of uses are quite extensive.
Common uses of GIS include inventory and management of resources, crime mapping, establishing and monitoring routes, managing networks, monitoring …

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What’s the difference between a supervised and unsupervised image classification?

landcover viriginaClassified tree canopy layer in the Virginia Urban Tree Canopy Mapper – http://www.utcmapper.frec.vt.edu

Two major categories of image classification techniques include unsupervised (calculated by software) and supervised (human-guided) classification.

Unsupervised classification is where the outcomes (groupings of pixels with common characteristics) are based on the software analysis of an image without the user providing sample classes. The computer uses techniques to determine which pixels are related and groups them into classes. The user can specify which algorism the software will …

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What is LIDAR?

LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses a laser beam of light to measure the distance from a LIDAR sensor to distant objects. Its operation is similar to how SONAR measures distances underwater using sound pulses.
LIDAR often is used to measure the height of the ground’s surface and the height of features on the ground. In this case, a LIDAR sensor, mounted in a plane, is flown over the area to be imaged. The …

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