a basic introduction to ArcMAP 10

ArcGIS is a software specialised of geographic information system (GIS), is made for working with geographic information and maps.And also It's used for many fields such as:

creating and using maps.
compiling geographic data.
analysing mapped information.
sharing and discovering geographic information.
using maps and geographic information in a range of applications.
and managing geographic information in a database.

in this article I'll explain to you the basic Ingredients of ArcMap software, let's begin by opening a new or existing project in ArcMap.

Step 1 : click on new maps

And select blank map then ok

Then ok

ArcMap is divided into two sections, the section of contents where your data layers will be located, and the section of date of you, that where the visual representation of your data will be displayed.

The section one on the left with the green border is a table of contents where your data layers will be located

The section two on the right is the date of you, more clarity this section is where the visual representation of your data will be displayed.

Step 2: Adding data to ArcMap

Adding data to map, your data we need to first add it to the project click on File, (element of menu)

And click add data and add data such as in the pic below:

Or you can click on the add data icon located in the standard toolbar

Browse the location of your data files

Select them and click add the selected

Data files now appear in the table of contents and are visually displayed in the data view

You can choose to display your layers in the data view by checking or unchecking them in the table of contents

You can also arrange the data layers of hierarchy by clicking and dragging one on top or below of another

Step 3: tool bars

Tool bars a two of our hosts a variety of tools that are useful in that creation the standard and tools toolbar are the most useful for general mapping purposes:

You can determine the function of a tool by hovering your mouse over an icon and reading the description located on the bottom left hand corner of the arc map window.

Moreover, you can add and remove toolbars by clicking on customize toolbars and then selecting the tool that you interest or you need.

Step 4: saving

Once you are satisfied with your project you can save it, please note that your only saving the pathnames to where your data is located, and not the data itself a project is merely a placeholder showing where your, data is located and not actually containing the data itself.

to save click on file save as