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A R C G I S

9 . X

Getting GPS points into ArcGIS

Now that you have collected points with your GPS unit you are ready to enter them into ArcGIS and make a map. There are a few things to consider.
1.

Decimal-degree format

ArcGIS requires geographic coordinates, i.e., latitude/longitude in decimal-degree format. If your data are in units such as degree/minute/second or degree/decimalminute, first you must convert them. Refer to Latitude/longitude conversion on this website, http://ic.ucdavis.edu/information/LatLonConversion.pdf
2.

Shapefile, dbf, Excel spreadsheet, or text

If you can save the GPS data as a shapefile, it is ready to use. The data can also be added as a dbf file, Excel spreadsheet, or text (either tab or comma delimited). Text or dbf files can be created in MS Excel or the points can be saved as text in WordPad or Notepad. Note that in the text, dbf, or shapefile, column headings should not have spaces in them, try inserting an underscore to connect multi-word headings, e.g., cross_street. Below is a tab-delimited file, geocache.txt, created in Notepad.
Point Latitude 001 38.53145 002 38.53987 3. Longitude -121.75893 -121.74822 Name MallardsHideaway RedwoodBridge

Start ArcMap
Start > Programs > ArcGIS > ArcMap Start using ArcMap with A new empty map > OK

To add data in a spreadsheet, dbf or txt file

From the main menu choose Tools > Add XY Data ; Add (Note: If using an Excel spreadsheet, Browse to the table by clicking on the file folder icon select at the spreadsheet level, not the xls file.)

Specify the X field and Y field. (Remember X is your easting or longitude and Y is the northing or latitude). In the USA, longitude is negative being west of the Prime meridian, and latitude is positive as it is north of the equator. To define the coordinate system, click on Edit. On the Spatial Reference Properties window, choose Select. On the Browse for Coordinate System window, choose the appropriate coordinate system. [Note: the default GPS setup is often Geographic Coordinate System, WGS 1984. If you saved your data in UTM or another coordinate system, follow the Projected Coordinate System link.] Click OK > OK. Your points should now display in ArcMap.

To add data in a shapefile

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Getting GPS points into ArcGIS

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From the main menu choose Browse to the shapefile. Add

File >

Add Data

4.

Save data as shapefile

In the Table of Contents (TOC), i.e., the window on the left in ArcMap, highlight the file name with your mouse and right-click. From the drop-down menu, select Data > Export Data; enter the shapefile name. OK Add the exported data to the map as a layer. The former event theme can now be deleted by right-clicking on the name, e.g., geocache.txt Events, and choosing X Remove.

5.

Save your map document

File > Save As > browse to a project folder and name the document.

To place your GPS points in the landscape add a digital orthophoto as background;

http://ic.ucdavis.edu/information/DownloadDOQQ.pdf
6.

Create a map layout

From the main menu select the Layout View button . View > Layout View; or at the bottom of the right-hand window, click

You can select a layout template in ArcMap by clicking on Change Layout toolbar .

on the Layout

Click on the various elements: title, legend, scale bar, north arrow to highlight the corners, resize, and rearrange on the page. When everything looks just the way you like it you are ready to print. File > Print > OK

7.

Export map as a pdf document

Another option is to export your map layout as a pdf document.
File > Export Map > Save as type: PDF (*.pdf)

8.

Save your map document

File > Save Close ArcMap. File > Exit

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Getting GPS points into ArcGIS

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Legend
0 0.05 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 Miles

geocache

Davis DOQQ
Value
High : 255 Low : 0

Geocache Sites in Davis

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Getting GPS points into ArcGIS