Maps and layers

A map is the fundamental component you work with in ArcPad. Maps help you visualize geographic data in the field by showing you where things are, telling you what they are, and helping you understand why they are that way. The screen shot below shows how to open an existing ArcPad map and save the current map in ArcPad.

The ArcPad map file (.apm) stores a list of the map layers and their properties in your ArcPad session. A map lists all of your layers together with the geographic extent and projection of the map. When you begin an ArcPad session, you can open an existing map or create a new map by adding layers of data or information.

You can display geographic information on a map as layers. Each layer represents a particular type of feature, such as streams, lakes, highways, political boundaries, or light posts. A layer does not store the actual geographic data; instead, it references the data contained in shapefiles, ArcPad AXF files, or images. The Table of Contents (TOC) button becomes active once a layer has been added to the current ArcPad map.

The Table of Contents displays all layers loaded in the current map, the GPS Tracklog, and the Map Grid layer. Within the Table of Contents, you can also change symbology using the legend, set snapping properties for editing, and select whether or not each layer can be identified or edited.

The screenshot below explains different tabs and icons on the Table of Contents window: