Collapse all Welcome to ArcGIS Desktop Help Copyright information Acknowledgements GIS Dictionary

What's new in ArcGIS

What's new in ArcGIS 9.3 What's new in ArcGIS 9.3.1 Migration guides

Getting started

Fundamentals of GIS Introducing ArcGIS Desktop Tutorials Tutorials 3D Analyst Tutorial Animation in ArcMap Tutorial ArcCatalog Tutorial ArcMap Tutorial ArcGIS Publisher Tutorial ArcReader Tutorial ArcScan Tutorial Building a Geodatabase Tutorial Database Servers Tutorial Data Interoperability Tutorial Editing Geodatabases Tutorial Editing GIS Features Tutorial Geocoding Tutorial Geoprocessing Tutorial Geostatistical Analyst Tutorial Getting Started with ArcGIS Tutorial Linear Referencing Tutorial Maplex Tutorial Network Analyst Tutorial Representations Tutorial Schematics Tutorial Spatial Analyst Tutorial StreetMap Tutorial Survey Analyst Tutorial Tracking Analyst Tutorial Toolbars Getting more help Using this Help system Getting help within the applications ArcGIS Desktop Resource Center ArcGIS Desktop Documentation Library Accessing ESRI Software Training Using the GIS Dictionary Contacting Technical Support Support for users located outside the United States Contacting ESRI

Map projections and coordinate systems

Mapping and visualization

An overview of mapping and visualization An overview of ArcMap Data frames Map layers Symbols and styles Text on maps Cartographic representations Map layouts and map printing Graphs, reports, and animations Common tasks within ArcMap Keyboard shortcuts for use within ArcMap ArcMap application patterns Using ArcMap Working with layers Adding layers to a map Adding a layer package to your map Adding x,y coordinate data as a layer Changing a layer's drawing order Changing a layer's text description Setting layer properties Managing group layers Saving a layer to disk Copying layers Displaying layers at certain scales Displaying a subset of features in a layer Repairing broken data links Viewing a layer's metadata in ArcMap Setting HTML pop-up properties for feature layers Navigating and interacting with maps Adding graphics and text to maps Symbolizing data Animation Getting started with animation Animation concepts Building animations Playing animations Editing animations Saving, exporting, and loading animations Common animation work flows Using cartographic representations Getting started with representations Representation concepts Working with representations Editing feature representations Page layout and map composition Getting started with laying out and printing maps Map elements Grids and graticules Rulers and guides Working with data frames in layout view Creating interactive and paperless maps Map output Map series Designing maps for optimal performance Working with graphs and reports Working with web maps in ArcGIS An overview of GIS Web map layers Working with ArcGIS Server in ArcGIS Desktop Using services from ArcGIS Server Using services from ArcIMS Using OGC Services Using KML Using ArcGIS Online Using image service layers Working with service layers in the table of contents Printing and exporting maps containing service layers Publishing optimized map services in ArcGIS

Editing and data compilation

An overview of editing and data compilation Getting started with editing About editing your geodatabase in ArcMap Adding the data you want to edit Editing ArcSDE geodatabases The structure of vector datasets Adding the editing toolbars Starting and stopping an edit session The sketch construction tools Using the snapping environment About setting distance units Setting direction measuring systems and units Editing features that have z-values Shortcut keys for editing in ArcMap Frequently asked questions about editing Common editing tasks Creating new features About creating new features Creating point features and vertices Creating lines and polygons Creating segments using angles and lengths Creating segments using angles from existing segments Creating segments that are circular arc curves Creating segments by tracing features Creating buffers Mirroring features Combining features from different layers Intersecting features Merging and separating features Copying parallel line features Creating a fillet curve between two lines Creating cul-de-sac lines Creating lines with the Traverse window Creating lines with the 2-Point Line window Creating lines with the Offset Line window Editing existing features Editing attributes Editing annotation Editing dimension features Using a digitizer Spatial adjustment An overview of spatial adjustment Adding the Spatial Adjustment toolbar Setting up the spatial adjustment Working with links Working with link files and control point files Previewing and performing the adjustment Transferring attributes between features Editing topology About topology Topology rules Topology error fixes Basic topology tasks Creating a map topology Editing features in a topology Editing shared geometry Topology validation Topology errors and exceptions Correcting topology errors Finding features with shared topology elements Clearing selected topology elements Changing the symbology for topology features Making new features with topology tools Editing relationships and related objects COGO

Tables and attribute information

Geoprocessing

What is geoprocessing? A whirlwind tour of geoprocessing Geoprocessing tools Geoprocessing framework Frequently Asked Questions about geoprocessing Fundamental tool concepts Using geoprocessing tools Automating your work with models An overview of models Opening ModelBuilder Creating a simple model Saving a model Model concepts and terms Using ModelBuilder Controlling the flow of processing Model Iteration Automating your work with scripts Geoprocessing environments An overview of geoprocessing environments Environment levels and hierarchy Script environments Specifying application environment settings Specifying tool environment settings Specifying model environment settings Specifying model process environment settings Environment categories Documenting tools and toolboxes Sharing tools and toolboxes An overview of sharing tools and toolboxes Methods for distributing tools Pathnames explained: Absolute, relative, UNC, and URL A structure for sharing tools Sharing and connecting to UNC pathnames Accessing ArcSDE data in tools Techniques for sharing Python scripts Managing intermediate data in shared models Sharing stylesheets Checklist for sharing tools and toolboxes Geoprocessing with ArcGIS Server An overview of geoprocessing with ArcGIS Server Key concepts for geoprocessing services Guide to related geoprocessing with server topics Input and output data types Creating models for geoprocessing services Preparing map documents containing tool layers Defining output symbology for geoprocessing tasks Defining symbology for input feature sets Publishing geoprocessing services Managing the jobs directory Deploying services on multiple computers - LocalJobsDirectory Data access considerations for geoprocessing tasks Creating tasks for the UNIX/Linux environment Creating script tools for geoprocessing tasks Using geoprocessing tasks in Python scripts Spatial reference considerations for geoprocessing services Performance tips for geoprocessing services Checklist for authoring and publishing geoprocessing services Python scripts to zip and unzip data Geoprocessing service examples Keeping track of geoprocessing history An overview of geoprocessing history History log files Geoprocessing history in metadata Advanced modeling through simulations An overview of advanced modeling through simulations General concepts of modeling through simulations Developing the different modeling approaches

Geoprocessing tool reference

An overview of commonly used tools Geoprocessing commands quick reference guide Licensing for geoprocessing tools Data types for geoprocessing tool parameters Input and output data considerations 3D Analyst toolbox An overview of the 3D Analyst toolbox Understanding 3D data Concepts of surface analysis Working with TIN surfaces Working with raster surfaces 3D visualization 3D Analyst Conversion toolset Functional Surface toolset Raster Interpolation toolset Raster Math toolset Raster Reclass toolset Raster Surface toolset Terrain toolset TIN Creation toolset TIN Surface toolset Analysis toolbox An overview of the Analysis toolbox Comparison poster of Overlay and Extract tools Analysis toolbox sample applications Extract toolset Overlay toolset Proximity toolset Statistics toolset Business Analyst toolbox An overview of the Business Analyst toolbox Analysis toolset Customer Setup toolset Modeling toolset Reports toolset Segmentation Analysis toolset Segmentation Profiles toolset Store Setup toolset Thematic Maps toolset Trade Areas toolset Cartography toolbox Conversion toolbox An overview of the Conversion toolbox From Raster toolset From WFS Metadata toolset To CAD toolset To Coverage toolset To dBASE toolset To Geodatabase toolset To Raster toolset To Shapefile toolset To KML toolset Coverage toolbox Data Interoperability toolbox An overview of the Data Interoperability toolbox Tools Data Management toolbox An overview of the Data Management toolbox Data Comparison toolset Database toolset Disconnected Editing toolset Distributed Geodatabase toolset Domains toolset Feature Class toolset Features toolset Fields toolset File Geodatabase toolset General toolset Generalization toolset Indexes toolset Joins toolset Layers and Table Views toolset Projections and Transformations toolset Raster toolset Relationship Classes toolset Subtypes toolset Table toolset Topology toolset Versions toolset Workspace toolset Geocoding toolbox Geostatistical Analyst toolbox Linear Referencing toolbox An overview of the Linear Referencing toolbox Understanding linear referencing Creating route data Creating and editing event data Linear Referencing sample applications Tools Military Analyst toolbox An overview of the Military Analyst toolbox Analysis toolset Data Management toolset Geometry toolset Utilities toolset Mobile toolbox Military Overlay Editor toolbox An overview of the Military Overlay Editor toolbox Utilities toolset Multidimensional toolbox An overview of the Multidimension toolbox Tools Network Analyst toolbox Server toolbox An overview of the Server toolbox Caching toolset Schematics toolbox Spatial Analyst toolbox An overview of the Spatial Analyst toolbox Solving problems in Spatial Analyst Understanding raster data Performing analysis in Spatial Analyst Spatial Analyst toolbox sample applications Conditional toolset Density toolset Distance toolset Extraction toolset Generalization toolset Groundwater toolset Hydrology toolset Interpolation toolset Local toolset Map Algebra toolset Math toolset Multivariate toolset Neighborhood toolset Overlay toolset Raster Creation toolset Reclass toolset Solar Radiation toolset Surface toolset Zonal toolset Spatial Statistics toolbox An overview of the Spatial Statistics toolbox Modeling spatial relationships Spatial Statistics toolbox sample applications What is a Z score What is a p-value Analyzing Patterns toolset Mapping Clusters toolset Measuring Geographic Distributions toolset Modeling Spatial Relationships toolset Rendering toolset Utilities toolset Samples toolbox Tracking Analyst toolbox Environment Settings Tool errors and warnings

Geodatabases and ArcSDE

An overview of the geodatabase An overview of the geodatabase Essential readings about the geodatabase Table basics Feature class basics Raster basics Types of geodatabases Client and geodatabase compatibility Common geodatabase tasks Architecture of a geodatabase Architecture of a geodatabase Geodatabase storage is based on relational principles Where does the application logic belong? The geodatabase is object-relational Geodatabase storage in relational databases Geodatabase transaction management Geodatabase XML Designing a geodatabase An overview of geodatabase design Geodatabase design steps Using ArcGIS Data Model designs Documenting your geodatabase design Modeling feature classes A note about the use of UML for geodatabase design Design Tips Building a geodatabase Creating a geodatabase Defining the properties of a geodatabase Adding datasets and other geodatabase elements Working with geodatabase datasets Data management workflows, transactions, and versioning Geodatabase data storage and schema A short history lesson on simple features How geodatabases are stored in a DBMS Feature geometry and raster data storage Inside a geodatabase in DB2 Inside a geodatabase in Informix Inside a geodatabase in Oracle Inside a geodatabase in PostgreSQL Inside a geodatabase in SQL Server Administering ArcSDE geodatabases An overview of ArcSDE geodatabase administration What is ArcSDE? Administering ArcSDE for DB2 Administering ArcSDE for Informix Administering ArcSDE for Oracle Administering ArcSDE for PostgreSQL Administering ArcSDE for SQL Server Administering a database server Installing and upgrading the ArcSDE component Configuring an ArcSDE geodatabase Creating and administering user accounts Connecting to an ArcSDE geodatabase Maintaining a geodatabase Tuning an ArcSDE geodatabase Scaling and moving your geodatabase Administering File and Personal geodatabases An overview of administering file and personal geodatabases File geodatabases: compressing vs. compacting Compacting file and personal geodatabases About compressing file geodatabase data Upgrading file and personal geodatabases File geodatabases and Windows Explorer File geodatabase size and name limits File geodatabases and locking Working with geodatabases using SQL An overview of working with ST_Geometry storage using SQL Spatial relationships Spatial operations Geometry properties SQL implementation differences for the ST_Geometry type Using spatial types with SQL SQL functions reference

Data management with ArcCatalog

Image and raster data management

Data support in ArcGIS

An overview of data support in ArcGIS Data formats supported in ArcGIS CAD data The composition of a CAD drawing Working with CAD data in ArcGIS Displaying CAD features Georeferencing CAD data CAD feature attributes and queries CAD data translation Geoprocessing tools for CAD translation Common CAD data workflows Coverages What is a coverage Summary of coverage feature classes Coverage resolution (precision) How coverages are stored Creating a new coverage Understanding and maintaining attributes in a coverage About fields (items) in coverage attribute tables Creating a new INFO table About the coverage extent Coverage tics Defining a coverage's coordinate system Coverage topology Coverage tolerances Coverage relationships and relationship classes Coverage data limitations Importing an ArcInfo interchange file (E00) NetCDF: multidimensional, time series data Shapefiles About shapefiles, dBASE tables, and file types Shapefile file extensions Creating new shapefiles and dBASE tables Adding and deleting fields in shapefiles Creating and updating indexes in shapefiles Defining a shapefile's coordinate system How to salvage a corrupt shapefile Terrains An overview of terrain datasets FAQs for terrain datasets Terrain dataset troubleshooting Known limitations of terrain datasets Understanding terrain datasets Properties of terrain datasets Building terrain datasets Managing terrain datasets Terrain analysis Terrain visualization

Extensions

About ArcGIS Desktop extensions Evaluating ArcGIS Desktop extensions 3D Analyst Data Interoperability About the Data Interoperability help system An overview of Data Interoperability Key concepts of the Data Interoperability extension Using the Data Interoperability tools Common tasks using Data Interoperability Using the Data Interopability tools ArcGIS for AutoCAD ArcGIS Publisher ArcScan ArcSketch A whirlwind tour of ArcSketch Getting started with ArcSketch Creating and modifying features Managing Symbols Business Analyst Geostatistical Analyst JTX Overview of JTX Using JTX Configuring JTX Administering JTX Maplex Military Analyst Getting started with Military Analyst What's new in Military Analyst Data Management Coordinate tool Terrain Analysis tools Geodesy tools The conversion tools Selection and Web Link tools MA catalog wireframe symbology Military Analyst in ArcGlobe Military Analyst tools reference Military Overlay Editor Network Analyst Getting started with Network Analyst Network dataset concepts Designing the network dataset Building and editing the network dataset Performing network analysis Migrating to ArcGIS Network Analyst Network Analyst tools reference PLTS Schematics Spatial Analyst Getting started with Spatial Analyst Solving spatial problems Performing analysis in Spatial Analyst The Raster Calculator Analysis concepts Spatial Analyst functional reference Survey Analyst An overview of Survey Analyst Cadastral Editor Survey Editor Tracking Analyst

Geocoding and address management

Linear referencing

Network analysis

Using the Network Analyst extension Analyzing geometric networks What is a geometric network? Creating and managing geometric networks Editing geometric networks Analyzing geometric networks

Mobile GIS

An overview of Mobile GIS ArcGIS Mobile integration GPS Getting started with ArcMap GPS Support Adding the GPS toolbar Connecting to a GPS device Simulating a connection to a GPS device Using the GPS Position window Changing the display options Keeping the current location in the view Adding a destination Writing GPS locations to a log Tablet PC An overview of Tablet PC technology Adding the Tablet toolbar Pen tool Highlighter tool Eraser tool Commands on the Tablet toolbar ArcPad integration

Interoperability and standards support

Overview of interoperability Overview of OGC and ISO support ESRI protocols and programming interfaces GML support in ArcGIS An overview of GML support in ArcGIS How to work with GML in ArcGIS Using the GML simple features profile Using supported GML profiles Adding new GML profiles Working with WFS within ArcGIS WFS support in ArcGIS WCS support in ArcGIS WMS support in ArcGIS KML support in ArcGIS An overview of KML support in ArcGIS KML elements Why share GIS data as KML? Translating ArcGIS information to KML Preparing your map documents in ArcGIS for KML publishing Creating KML files Serving KML with ArcGIS Server KML examples Using folders to organize KML content Frequently asked questions about KML

Customizing and developing with ArcGIS

Guide to data that comes with ArcGIS

Licensing and desktop administration

GIS Servers and services

An overview of GIS servers used with ArcGIS Using ArcIMS with ArcGIS Desktop Using ArcGIS Server with ArcGIS Desktop Authoring and publishing services for ArcGIS Server An overview of authoring and publishing services Data access considerations for ArcGIS Server Publishing resources Administering ArcGIS Server with ArcCatalog Creating and publishing web maps for ArcGIS Server An overview of Web GIS A framework for deploying Web GIS Web GIS concepts for GIS users Types of GIS map applications Steps for implementing GIS map applications How to build online base maps Building operational map layers Managing the performance of GIS mapping services Distributing maps, globes, and layers on the Web