GIS TechKZ

Introduction

 

A GIS (Geographic Information System) is a powerful tool used for computerized mapping and spatial analysis. A GIS provides functionality to capture, store, query, analyze, display, and output geographic information. 

 

For this seminar, we will be using ArcGIS Desktop 10, the newest version of a popular GIS software produced by ESRI. This course is meant to teach some fundamental GIS operations using ArcGIS. It is not meant to be a comprehensive course in GIS or ArcGIS. However, we hope this seminar will get you started using GIS and excited about learning more.

Components of ArcGIS Desktop 10

 

ArcMap, ArcCatalog, (and ArcToolbox)

 

ArcGIS Desktop is comprised of a set of integrated applications, which are accessible from the Start menu of your computer: ArcMap and ArcCatalog. 

•        ArcMap is the main mapping application which allows you to create maps, query attributes, analyze spatial relationships, and layout final projects. 

•        ArcCatalog organizes spatial data contained on your computer and various other locations and allows for you to search, preview, and add data to ArcMap as well as manage metadata and set up address locator services (geocoding). 

•        ArcToolbox is the third application of ArcGIS Desktop. Although it is not accessible from the Start menu, it is easily accessed and used within ArcMap and ArcCatalog. ArcToolbox contains tools for geoprocessing, data conversion, coordinate systems, projections, and more. This workbook will focus on ArcMap and ArcCatalog. 

 

Software Products (Licensing Levels)

 

ArcMap is made up of three software product levels: ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo. These products share a common architecture but provide increasing levels of functionality. ArcView provides the base mapping and analysis tools. ArcEditor provides all ArcView capability and includes additional processing and advanced editing. ArcInfo provides all ArcEditor capability plus advanced analysis and processing. While these levels are crucial to consider when purchasing software, it is also important to be aware of the limitations of the level you are using.  We are using the ArcInfo level.

 

Look at the menu bar at the top of the window in either ArcMap or ArcCatalog to see which level you

have. 

 

Data Management – ArcCatalog

 

Searching and Content

 

Finding and using data is at the center of any GIS project. Let’s get started by opening ArcCatalog:

 

1. Double-click with the left mouse button on the ArcCatalog icon on the desktop, or from the

Windows Start menu, select ‘Programs’ > ‘ARCGIS’ > ‘ArcCatalog’

 

 

The left side of the screen lists a set of possible locations for data in the Catalog Tree. Don’t worry if yours does not look exactly the same. It is easy to add directories for data by clicking on the ‘Connect to folder’ icon on the top left toolbar.  

 

 

Common GIS File Types

 

TECHTALK   Geodatabase – The personal geodatabase, or geographic database, file is called the “modern container for GIS data” and is specific to ArcGIS. Geodatabases define, manage, process and store all the types of data that can be used in ArcGIS (i.e., feature, rasters, relationships, measurements, attributes, etc) inside either a Microsoft Access database (.mdb) or a full relational database (SQL Server, Oracle, Informix or DB2).   Shapefiles – ArcGIS shapefile format is a widely adopted standard and comprises three or more associated files. Be careful copying this data to a disk. You must get all of the files associated with a single layer. They will have a variety of file extensions: .shp, .shx, .dbf and sometimes others. If you are copying shapefiles, we recommended that you use the ‘File’ > ‘Data’ > ‘Export Data’ function in ArcMap or through ArcCatalog. This will automatically copy all files associated with a layer. Also, be aware that some of these files may be very large in size.   Layer – According to ESRI, the layer file (.lyr) stores symbology, symbology classifications, labeling properties, scale dependency, and definition. If you save something in this format it means that, unlike shapefiles, colors and other characteristics are saved and will appear the same every time you open it.    Coverages – “A coverage stores a set of thematically associated data considered to be a unit. It usually represents a single layer, such as soils, streams, roads, or land use. In a coverage, features are stored as both primary features (points, arcs, polygons) and secondary features (tics, links, annotation).” Source: ESRI Data Dictionary.   CAD (computer-aided design) – “A computer-based system for the design, drafting, and display of graphical information.” Although most commonly used to support engineering, planning, and illustrating activities, these files can be used in a GIS. Source: ESRI Data Dictionary.   Image formats – ArcGIS accepts and uses a variety of image files (.tiff, .jpg, .jp2, .png, etc).   Text files (with x,y coordinates)   Many others…

 

Previewing Data

 

From the catalog tree on the left side, navigate to C:\ESRI\GIS_WRKSHP\. You will see a list of shapefiles. The .shp extension of the file means that these files are in shapefile format and thus can be read by ArcGIS. Although this is not the only file format ArcGIS can read, it is a popular format. 

 

1.     To view file extensions, navigate to ‘Customize’ > ‘ArcCatalog Options’ > and under the ‘General’ tab unclick ‘Hide file extensions’ and hit ‘OK’. 

 

 

NOTE: This is what shapefiles look like in Windows Explorer – a combination of 3 to 7 individual files make up one shapefile.  You should view GIS data in ArcCatalog.

 

 

TECHTALK There are two kinds of data that can be viewed in ArcGIS – vector and raster. Vector data is a format whereby points, lines, and polygons are used to represent real features on the earth’s surface such as an address location, a street or a zip code area. Raster data is a continuous image of a portion of the earth’s surface and is made up of grid cells or pixels as in an aerial or satellite image. If both vector data and raster data are georeferenced to the same position, they can be used in the same view.

 

2.     After locating data, it is possible to preview it before adding it to ArcMap. Click once with the left mouse button on mdcounties.shp and then select the ‘Preview’ tab.  

 

This will allow you to look at the mdcounties file. We will return to these files later. 

 

Metadata

 

Metadata is loosely defined as “data about data.” This is important, especially in a geospatial context, because it contains information about the source, author, creation, and geographic referencing. ArcCatalog allows you to view and manage metadata. 

 

          1. Click on the ‘Description’ tab.                             

 

This section provides a description of the files,  spatial information, and a list of all of the attributes associated with the file. 

 

Organization of ArcMap

 

ArcMap can be opened from multiple locations.  This time, we will open it from ArcCatalog.  It can also be opened from the start menu or an icon on the desktop.  

 

Beginning with a Blank Project

 

1. From ArcCatalog, click on the ArcMap icon:    

 

Upon opening ArcMap you may see the following startup window:

 

 

 

 

This is a new feature with version 10 of ArcGIS software that allows you to make a shortcut to your most-used data location.  Since we’re just beginning, we are going to skip this option and simply use the default.  Click on Cancel.

 

            ArcMap makes a default geodatabase in the C:\My Documents\ArcGIS folder.

 

 

 

 

Now you will be in a new, blank document in ArcMap.

 

This area is known as the Map Display. This display area is where map features are drawn. 

 

When you begin, the menu bar changes to show the menu functions available. You can change the way the ArcMap looks by moving or hiding toolbars. Docking toolbars in another location can be done by clicking on the vertical gray bar at the left edge or top and dragging it to a new

location. 

 

To hide or show toolbars, click ‘Customize’ (on the menu bar) > ‘Toolbars’ and check or uncheck the name. 

 

Any changes made to the interface will be kept and applied every time you use ArcMap. Please note that some toolbars are dependent upon the license level. Some toolbars and extensions will be visible, but the user will not be able to access the functionality if they do not possess the required license. 

 

At this point, most of the icons of the button bar and tool bar are grayed out because we do not have any data in our view. Let’s add data to see what functions are available to us. 

Adding Data through ArcCatalog

 

There are two main ways to add data. We will begin with adding two data files – md_cities.shp and md_interst.shp – from ArcCatalog. 

 

1.     Click on the ‘ArcCatalog’ tab icon at the top right of the display.  You will see the catalog tree. 

2.     Navigate to the data you want to add.  For us, that is under Folder Connections C:\ESRI\GIS_WRKSHP

3.     We will add two layers:  md_interst and md_counties.  Drag and drop it into the Table of Contents under Layers.

 

 

Adding Data through ArcMap

 

In addition to ArcCatalog, it is possible to add data directly through ArcMap. 

 

1. Select the ‘Add Data’ button.    If you selected the drop-down, choose the first option, Add Data.  Or, from the menu bar, select ‘File’ > ‘Add Data’ > ‘Add Data’.  2. Change directories until you find C:\ESRI\GIS_WRKSHP\ 

3. Select md_cities.shp and click the ‘Add’ button.  

 

On the left-hand side of the view the three selected layers are displayed in the view’s table of contents. Each layer has a little check mark in the box to its left.  This means they are “turned on” and being displayed.  If you uncheck them, that layer is no longer visible.

 

 

 

The colors of your layers and their order may differ from the example on the instructor’s screen, but you should have all three datasets. Each of these layers contains geometric objects that represent some real world entity. Points are used in the md_cities layer to represent Maryland cities. (At a larger scale cities could be represented by polygons.) Lines are used in the md_interst layer to represent the interstate highways in Maryland, and polygons are used in the mdcounties layer to represent Maryland counties. 

 

Notice how most of the button and tool bar functions are available to us now. Also notice the scale display next to the Add Data button.

 

This display tells you what the scale value is of the current view. If it displays the value ‘1: 2,922,847’ that means that every one unit on the map is equal to 2,922,847 units in the real world. As you zoom in and out of the map the scale will change dynamically. Scale is an important concept in computer mapping. The scale of the map often determines the amount of information that can be shown without the map becoming too busy.

 

Also notice the position display at the bottom right of the screen. As you move the cursor around the view these units change dynamically according to your cursor’s position. Your map units are likely in decimal degrees.   

 

 

Moving Around the Map Display 

 

Now let’s examine ways of zooming in and out and panning. The Tools toolbar contains eight buttons that provide zooming functions and allow you to define a custom view of the layer data. Some of the most useful ones are illustrated here. 

 

 

 

Zoom In – zooms the view window in to a user-defined area. To use:

 

1.       Select the Zoom In tool with the left mouse button. Notice the cursor changes to the magnifying glass with the + sign icon.  

2.       Go to one corner of the area you would like to zoom in on and click with the left mouse button. While holding down the mouse button, move the cursor to the opposite corner that defines the area you want to magnify.  

3.       Release the mouse and the view window should zoom in to your defined area and redraw. 

 

Zoom Out – zooms the view window out from the point clicked. To use:

 

1.       Select the Zoom Out tool with the left mouse button. Notice the cursor changes to the magnifying glass with the - sign icon. 

2.       With the left mouse button click the area of the map you want to zoom out from. The view window should zoom out, centering on the area that you clicked.

 

Pan – moves all the view layer layers in the direction you move your mouse. It is a useful tool when viewing data that is larger than the view window, and you do not want to change your scale or loose detail by zooming out. To use:

 

1.       Select the Pan tool with the left mouse button. Notice the cursor changes to a hand. 

2.       Click a spot on the view with the left mouse button, and while holding down the button move the mouse away from the direction you want to move the view and release the button. The view should move and redraw the view in the new location once the mouse button is released.

 

Full Extent – zooms the view window to the full extent of all layers shown in the view.  This is very handy when you want to get back to the way things looked when you first added the layer.

 

Zoom to Previous Extent – zooms the view window back to the previous view window extent.

 

Practice using the zooming and panning tools to view the Maryland data. You may also zoom in and out by using the wheel on your mouse. You can always return to the initial view by pressing the ‘Full Extent’ button; so don’t be afraid to move around! 

 

 

Identifying Objects 

 

Now let’s examine the identify tool. This tool helps us to identify the objects of a layer. It is located on the Tools toolbar and it has the icon with the letter i in a blue circle. This tool will display the attributes of a particular layer object. These attributes are actually located in a table that we will discuss later. 

To use the identify tool:  

 

1. Click the identify tool with the left mouse button. Your cursor changes to a cross hair with the i icon.

 

When you click on a feature in the map, the Identify Results window will open and you can choose what layers you would like to be able to identify or see what you have identified.

 

 

Setting Map Units, Display Units and Map Projection

 

One of the very first things that you should do after adding data is to set the map and display units. It is also a good idea to set the projection (if desired) at this stage as well. Setting these units will allow you to measure distances or compute areas. Display units should also be set if you are planning to create a map layout with a distance scale. To set the map and display units:

 

1. Right click on the data frame ‘Layers’ at the top of the legend and scroll down to ‘Properties.’  

 

 

 

 

The ‘Data Frame Properties’ dialog box pops up. You should be in the ‘General’ tab.  Take a look at the ‘Units’ portion of the dialog box.  As you can see, the map units are already determined in this case, but you can choose what units you would like to use for display.  The map units here are “decimal degrees” because all of the ESRI data is shipped in decimal degrees. Not all data is in decimal degrees. Some data, especially images, are in other map units such as meters. 

 

1.       Let’s change our display units to “Miles”. 

 

 

 

Because our data is in decimal degrees, it is considered unprojected. We want to give our view a standard projection. For Maryland, the Maryland State Plane 1983 NAD projection is typically used. Let’s set our data frame to this projection. 

 

2.       Click on the ‘Coordinate System’ tab.

 

 

 

 

Notice that it states that our current coordinate system is a geographic coordinate system, which is not projected. 

 

Let’s select a projected coordinate system.

 

3.       Click on ‘Predefined’.

4.       Click on ‘Projected Coordinate System’. 

5.       Scroll down and click on ‘State Plane’. 

6.       Click on ‘NAD 1983 (Feet)’. 

7.       Scroll down and choose ‘NAD_1983_StatePlane_Maryland_FIPS_1900 (Feet)’. 

8.       Click ‘Apply’ and then ‘OK’. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TECHTALK The Maryland State Plane is a Lambert Conformal Conic Projection.  This projection preserves shape and maintains accurate distance in an east-west direction for the lower 48 states, but only at the expense of direction (north, south, east and west) and area.  Other projections such as Mercator preserve direction and shape, but sacrifice accurate distance and area.  Depending on the use of your data, some projections may be more suitable than others.  Much of the data that you buy commercially is stored in decimal degrees, thereby allowing you to select and change projections.  However, data from governmental sources is usually stored in a projection.     When you first add a layer to ArcMap, it is shown based on its coordinate system (geographic or projected).  When you add additional layers that have different coordinate systems, ArcMap creates an on-the-fly projection and changes it to match the first.   This does not change the projection of the data itself, but rather the way it is displayed in the map display.  On-the-fly projection works best of layers are based on the same coordinate system.  If the coordinate systems are different, you will get a warning.  You can display the data, but the spatial alignment may be off.  The differences are small, but if you need precise results you may need to do a geographic coordinate system transformation.

 

 

 

For more about map projections, consider this website:

http://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/MapProjections/projections.html

 

Or this book:

Flattening the earth: two thousand years of map projections / John P. Snyder

University of Chicago Press, 1997

McKeldin Library – Stacks – GA 110 .S576 1997

 

Measuring in the Map Display

 

Now that we have set the map and display units, let’s make some measurements. On the tools toolbar there is a button that allows you to measure elements of the layers. The measure tool is the button having the icon composed of a question mark within an arrow over the ruler. 

  

 

1.       Click the measure tool with the left mouse button. Your cursor changes to an L-shaped ruler with cross hairs and you get a pop-up window. 

2.       Move the cursor to the point on the map where you want to start measuring and click. 

3.       Now move the cursor to the point where you want to stop measuring and double-click. 

 

Observe in the window the measurement you just made. This measurement is composed of a segment length and total length. It also indicates the display units of measurement.  To change the units, click on the drop-down arrow next to the sum symbol.

 

You can take measurements that are composed of multiple segments that do not follow a straight line. To do so:

 

1.       Click the measure tool with the left mouse button.   

2.       Move the cursor to the point on the map where you want to start measuring and click once. 

3.       Now move the cursor to the next point along your defined path and click once. The first segment is defined. 

4.       Now move to the second point along your defined path and click once. 

 The second segment is defined. 

5.       Repeat this process until you reach the point where you want to stop, and double-click. 

 

Try measuring different parts of Maryland. What is the length of its border along the MasonDixon line? How wide is the Chesapeake Bay near Baltimore? What is the length from the Prince George’s County side of Washington, DC to its opposite end in Montgomery County? 

 

If you wish to measure in some other format (for example, kilometers instead of miles), you can also go back to the data frame > ‘Properties > and change the display units.  

 

 

Symbology and Labeling

 

When a shapefile is opened in ArcGIS, symbols, styles and colors used to display the objects of a layer are randomly chosen. This symbology may not be (and usually is not!) the representation we wish to use for our map. We can modify the symbology so that our map is more presentable and readable. Let’s start by changing the colors of the Maryland cities:

 

1. Click once, with the left mouse button, the dot below ‘md_cities’ in legend/ table of contents to bring up the Symbol Selector. 

 

The “Symbol Selector” window opens.

 

 

 

The symbol selector has several features that allow you to edit each layer symbology regardless of type (i.e. point, line and polygon.) You can change the symbol, color, size, and angle as well as add more specific symbols to your list. 

 

Let’s change the styles and colors of our view layers. We’ll begin with cities.

 

1.      Click, with the left mouse button, on the shape ‘Triangle 1.’ 

2.      In the options box, click on the drop down box for color and choose a dark blue.

3.      Change the size to 10. 

4.      Click ‘OK’. 

 

 

Repeat for the other two layers.

 

1.       Click on the line under ‘md_interst’ layer name to edit the Maryland interstate layer. 

2.       Choose ‘Highway’. Because this is already established as an accepted style, the color and size of the line will automatically be added.  

3.       Click ‘OK’. 

4.       Click on the polygon under the ‘mdcounties’ layer name to edit the Maryland counties layer. 

5.       Select a neutral color like gray or beige. 

6.       Click ‘OK’ in the “Symbol Selector” window box to apply your changes. 

 

Now we have a much more attractive view. You can experiment with different colors and patterns until you find the right ones to suit your final map.

 

 

Saving ArcGIS Projects

 

As with most computer projects, it is a good idea to save your work. To do so:

 

1.       Select ‘File’ > ‘Save As’ from the menu bar.

2.       You will save all your work for this workshop to the GIS_TEMP folder on the desktop.  Click on Desktop and double click on the GIS_TEMP folder, or navigate to it through the drop-down.

3.       Type a name for your project in the Save dialog box that appears and press ‘OK’.

4.       Check to see that your file is where you expect to see it. 

 

 

 

Note that your saved file has an .mxd extension.  This stands for map document, and it is a GIS-specific file type.  If you try to open this document without using GIS software, it won’t work!  

 

 

TECHTALK        An ArcGIS project or map document is a file instructing ArcGIS on what data to use and  how to display it.  The data layers are not stored with the .mxd file.  If you copy your  project file to a disk you must also copy all of the dataset files used in your project to that  disk as well or reset the location from the layer properties, source tab.

Labeling: Dynamic labels

 

There are three types of labels available: dynamic, interactive, and annotation. Dynamic labels are created at once and operate as a group. ArcMap will adjust the label according to the scale so that the labels are visible. Although you can set rules for display, ArcMap decides where to place them. As a default, labels will not overlap. In addition, you can not individually select or change them unless you convert them to annotation. This will be discussed later.

 

 

Before we label, it’s important to set the rules and choose label position and priorities. Let begin with the ‘md_cities’ layer.  

 

1.       Right click on ‘md_cities’ to open the Context Menu. Many operations in ArcMap are performed through this menu. 

2.       Scroll down to ‘Properties.’ This opens the “Layer Properties” window.

3.       Under the ‘Labels’ tab choose the ‘Placement Properties’ icon to open the “Placement Properties” window. The default priority location for labels is in the upper right corner. Let’s change the location to the top center. 

 

 

 

 

 

4.       Click on the ‘Change Location’ icon, with the left mouse button to open the “Initial point placement” window. 

5.       Scroll up and choose ‘Top Only, Prefer Center.’ 

6.       Press ‘OK in this box as well as on the ‘Placement Properties’ box and ‘Layer Properties’ box. 

 

Now that we have set the properties, let’s label.

 

1.       Right click on ‘md_cities’ to open the ‘Context Menu’ again.  

2.       Scroll down and click on ‘Label Features.’  

 

Let’s also label the ‘md_interst’ as well. 

 

1.       Right click on ‘mdinterst’ to open the ‘Context Menu’ again.  

2.       Scroll down and click ‘Label Features.’  

 

Notice that some of the labels for md_cities have moved to make way for the new interstate labels. 

 

It is possible to set your labels in a predefined style. 

 

1.       Right click on ‘md_interst’ to open the ‘Context Menu’ again.  

2.       Scroll down and click on ‘Properties.’  

3.       Under the ‘Labels’ tab there should be an icon ‘Label Styles’ in the bottom right corner under the heading ‘Pre-defined Label Style.’ Click on the ‘Label Styles’ button. 

 

This brings you to the “Label Style Selector” window. 

 

1. Choose the ‘U.S. Interstate HWY’ symbol in the upper right corner and click ‘OK.’ 

 

 

 

 

Unfortunately, the labels are too much all together. 

 

1.       We can set priority for viewing by right clicking on ‘md_cities’ > ‘Properties’ > ‘Placement Properties.’ 

2.       In the “Placement Properties” window click on the ‘Conflict Detection’ tab. 

 

From here it is possible to define the priority of the labels. Labels for layers marked with a ‘High’ weight will be less likely to be overlapped by other layers. It, however, is not necessary in this case as dynamic labels are not flexible enough for our needs.

 

To be able to individually move labels we can convert the dynamic labels to annotation or use interactive labels. 

 

 

Converting Dynamic Labels to Annotation

 

By converting dynamic labels to annotation we are able have all features labeled at once and also have the ability to move them individually. Let’s convert the md_cities labels to annotation.

 

1.       Close any extra dialog boxes if necessary.  Right click on the ‘md_cities’ layer to open the context menu.  

2.       Scroll down to ‘Convert Labels to Annotation’. 

3.       If you get an overflow annotation dialog, just close it.

 

The ‘Convert Labels to Annotation’ dialog opens.

 

The default option for storing annotation is in a geodatabase. Because our data is not in a geodatabase, we will opt to store it

‘In the map.’

 

1.       Click the radial button ‘In the map.’  

2.       Click the ‘Convert’ button.  

 

Our labels are no longer dynamic and will no longer move according to scale, etc. Let’s move some of our labels. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                            

1.       Click on the Select Elements tool.   

2.       Click on a label.  An aqua dotted line should surround the label.

3.       As you put the cursor over the label it will turn into cross-hairs. Click and hold the mouse button, move the label, and then release the mouse button.  

4.       Double click on the label with the aqua line still surrounding it to access the ‘Properties’ dialog. Here you can change the text, font, and symbology.  

 

Labeling: Interactive Labels

 

Like annotation, interactive labels are graphics. Interactive labels can be added and moved individually from the ‘Draw toolbar.’ This allows you to place custom-created text on the map. 

 

1.       If necessary, use the menu bar to click on ‘Customize’ > ‘Toolbars’ > ‘Draw’ to display the Draw toolbar.

2.       Click on the New Text button, which looks like an ‘A’. When the cursor changes to a cross hairs with an ‘A’ click on the map and add text. This works for anywhere on the map. 

 

There are 6 other options for the custom creation of text also available. 

 

3.       To access these, click on the drop down box (arrow pointing down) to the right of the ‘New Text’ button, which looks like an ‘A.’ 

 

 

 

 

 

Once you use any of these tools to create a graphic object, little boxes or “handlebars” will appear around that object surrounded by an aqua colored line. That tells you that the object is selected. If an object is selected you can move the object to a different location with the Select Elements tool . Click on the Select Elements tool, move it over the selected object, then press the left mouse button and drag the object to the new location. Once the object is moved to the location desired, you deselect the object by clicking anywhere in the view. The handlebars should disappear. You can reselect the object with the Select Elements tool by clicking on it with the left mouse button. The handlebars will reappear. If you want to delete an object just press the delete key with the object selected.

 

To use, select the appropriate tool with the left mouse button. 

 

•         To use the ‘New text’ and ‘Label’ tools you simply select the tool and click the spot on the view in which you want to place the text. A text window will appear allowing you to type in your text. Type the text and press ‘OK.’  

•         To use the callout tool you must first click the point where the line pointer will begin. While holding down the mouse button, drag the pointer in the direction the text will appear. Release the button at the spot where the actual text will begin. A text window will appear allowing you to type in your text. Type the text and press ‘OK.’

•         To use the splined text tool click at the point where the text will begin. Use the tool to draw a line (does not have to be straight) by clicking at each segment point and double-clicking at the end. A text window will appear. Type the text and press ‘OK.’ The splined text tool is ideal for labeling text in a non-linear fashion such as along a river.

•         To create new circle text, move to the spot on your view that will be the center of your circle. Click and hold down the mouse button while moving away from the circle’s center until you reach your preferred radius. Release the mouse button at the radius position and add text. The text will fill a circular area.

•         To create new rectangle text, move to the spot on your view that will define a corner of the rectangle. Click and hold down the left mouse button while moving to the opposite corner of the rectangle. Release the button at the opposite corner and add text. The text will fill the designated rectangle.

•         To create new polygon text, move to the spot on your view that you want to begin your polygon and click with the left mouse button. Move the cursor to the endpoint of the first polygon side and click once. The first side is defined. Now move the cursor to the endpoint of the second side and click once. The second side is defined. Repeat this process until your polygon is complete, then double-click to end the polygon and add text.

 

Once a graphic object is drawn, it is possible to edit its features. 

 

1.       With the drawn object selected i.e. the “handlebars” displayed around the object, right click with the mouse.

 

 

 

 

From this window you can also select other options that enable you to: 

 

•         Change the order of the graphics (send to front, back, etc.) • Nudge the graphic up, down, to the left, or to the right.

•         Align to the top, bottom, or other directions.

•         Distribute horizontally or vertically; make the same size/height/width; or fit to margins.

•         Change properties, including color, font, and font size.

 

2.       To change properties, click on ‘Properties’ > ‘Change Symbol.’ This window will let you change color, font, and font size.

 

We won’t need our labels at this time, so let’s delete them. We can individually select them with the mouse button or we can do it all at once. 

 

3.       Click on ‘Edit’ on the menu bar > ‘Select All Elements’ and hit the delete button on your keyboard. 

 

We have learned how to use some of the buttons and tools to view and edit our data. Now, let’s begin to perform some analysis with our data.