Chapter 11

Exercise 11a
Through this exercise, I learned how to create a geodatabase and import shapefile data
into it. I started by opening ArcCatalog, which is an application in the ArcGIS software
suite that is specifically designed for managing geospatial data. Once ArcCatalog was
open, I created a new folder in a location where I wanted to store my geodatabase. This
folder contained all the files that made up my geodatabase.
Creating a geodatabase in ArcGIS is a crucial step in managing geospatial data. Imagine
a scenario where you have a vast amount of geographic data that needs to be stored in a
structured manner, making it easy to access, edit, and share. A geodatabase comes in
handy in such situations. With a well-structured geodatabase, you can easily manage and
organize your data.
Importing shapefile data into the geodatabase was a straightforward process. I opened
ArcMap and navigated to the "Catalog" window, which allowed me to browse to the
location of the shapefile I wanted to import. I then dragged and dropped the shapefile into
my new geodatabase in the "Catalog" window. ArcGIS automatically created a new
feature class within the geodatabase to store the shapefile data.
Overall, this exercise was a great learning experience, and I now have a better
understanding of how to create and manage geospatial data using ArcGIS.

Exercise 11b
Through this exercise I learned about creating features classes. I learned how to make a
polygon feature class for city playgrounds and add attribute fields for inspection dates
and the borough of New York. Creating a polygon feature class for city playgrounds
involves several steps, including defining the coordinate system and creating the
necessary attribute fields. Additionally, I created an attribute domain, which prevents
error by limiting values to valid borough names. By limiting the values to valid borough
names in the attribute domain, I was able to ensure that all data entries would contain
accurate and consistent information. This is particularly important in data analysis and
management, where errors in data can lead to inaccurate results and conclusions.
Creating an attribute domain is a simple yet effective way to control the quality of data
being entered into a system. It can be used for a variety of data types, such as numerical
ranges, text values, and date ranges. In this case, I chose to use an attribute domain to
limit the values of a categorical variable - the borough names. By doing so, any data entry
that contains a value outside of the valid range would be rejected, preventing potential
errors and inconsistencies.
Overall, this exercise taught me important skills in geospatial data management and
analysis, which are essential for many fields including urban planning, environmental
management, and emergency response. The ability to create and manage feature classes is
a fundamental aspect of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and is widely used in a
variety of industries.
 Chapter 12

Exercise 12a
Through this exercise I learned about drawing features in ArcGIS. One of the key
functions of ArcGIS is its ability to draw features, which are visual representations of
geographic data on a map. Drawing features is an essential step in creating accurate and
informative maps, and ArcGIS provides the tools I need to create high-quality visual
representations of my geographic data. To draw a feature in ArcGIS, I first need to select
the appropriate tool from the toolbar. The most commonly used tools for drawing features
are the Point, Line, and Polygon tools. Each of these tools is designed to help me create
different types of features. To draw a point feature, I simply click on the location where I
want the point to appear. For a polygon feature, I click on each point that I want to
include in the polygon and then double-click to close the shape. Once I have drawn my
feature, I can customize its appearance by changing its color, line style, and fill pattern. I
can also add labels to the feature to provide additional information about it.
Drawing features in ArcGIS is an essential step in creating a map that accurately
represents my geographic data. With the right tools and techniques, I can create high-
quality visual representations that provide valuable insights into my data.

Exercise 12b
Through this exercise I learned about using more construction tools. I learned how to
digitize the footprint of a proposed playground in Central Park, as well as a new subway
line, which is currently under construction with plans to open in two years. I examine
more about a technique called snapping. ArcGIS uses snapping to connect features that
are within a certain distance of each other. The snapping environment is made up of the
rules that specify which features and feature parts snap to others. The snapping tolerance
is the distance at which snapping occurs. When digitizing features in a GIS dataset, it can
be challenging to ensure that they align perfectly with other features or are placed in the
correct location. This is particularly true when working with complex datasets that
contain many different layers and overlapping features.
To address this issue, ArcGIS includes a snapping tool that allows users to define specific
snapping rules and settings. Snapping rules are used to specify how features should be
aligned or snapped together, while snapping settings determine the distance or tolerance
that should be used when snapping features.
The snapping tool in ArcGIS works by allowing users to specify a snapping environment,
which defines the layers and features that should be used for snapping. Once the snapping
environment has been set up, users can then begin digitizing new features or modifying
existing ones. As features are added or modified, they will automatically snap to the
nearest snapping point, line, or vertex, depending on the specified snapping rules.
Overall, the snapping tool in ArcGIS is a powerful tool that can help ensure that GIS
datasets are accurate and aligned correctly. By defining specific snapping rules and
settings, users can improve the accuracy and efficiency of their GIS workflows, saving
time and reducing errors.