lab3

1. What is the difference between the DATA VIEW and LAYOUT VIEW?

Data view is the view which allows one to create, symbolize, analyze, and manipulate a particular map. The view itself could have been taken from ArcCatalog, and contains a map display and table of contents. Layout view is used for composing maps for reproduction, and allows some modification such as "titles, scale bars, legends, and other elements" (12). However, the layout view shows all aspects of a particular project, not simply a single aspect of it. This view is the project as it would appear on a printed page.

2. Using correct ArcGIS terminology, explain what part of a map is exported as an image file when you choose the File – Export Map option. Also, how is an exported Layout view different from an exported Data view?

In a data view export, only the particular area or individual map that one is interested in at the time of export is displayed. Only the map and its active layers are exported, as is displayed at the time of capture. The layout view is similarly exported; however, it is the actual size of the map project as a whole, taking into account all maps in that particular layout. This image would be produced if sent to a printer (thus layout).

3. What is the difference between a DATA FRAME and a LAYER?

A data frame is a discrete piece of information in map form, containing particular layers relevant to that particular map. A layer contains geographic objects that are similar or alike that may or may not be applied to a base map.

4. What step(s) would you follow to switch between the display of the Countries map and the Rivers map in Exercise 5b?

From the Countries data view, select layout view from the View menu. Then select the Rivers map by clicking on it. Then on the View menu, select data view. The Rivers map will then be on the screen.

5. What step(s) would you follow to display the names of features as labels on the map (such as the Mexican states in Exercise 7a)?

Zoom into the area in which you want to label. Right click on the “Southeastern States” layer. Go down to “label features” and select it. The labels for the areas will then appear.

6. What step(s) would you follow to change the colors of the Mexican states in Exercise 7a to a unique color for each state?

First, right click on the “Southeastern States” layer. Go to the symbology tab and select it. In the show box click “Categories.” Make sure the “Value Field” drop-down list is set to ADMIN_NAME, and click “Add All Values.” Click “Apply,” and close the “Layer Properties” window. The southeastern states are now different colors.

7. What is the difference between a “.mxd” file and a “.mxt” file?
An .mxd file has an entire map project on it. It is reserved for an ArcMap document. An .mxt file is one that is a map template file.

8. What is the difference between a SHAPEFILE (.shp) and a LAYER FILE (.lyr)?
A shape file is a single feature class, such as a cities.shp or country.shp. Layer files reference geographic data stored on disk. It is a cartographic view of geographic data.