Introduction to ArcGIS
ArcGIS is a powerful geographic information system (GIS) platform developed by Esri that enables users to create, manage, analyze, and visualize spatial data. It provides tools for mapping and spatial reasoning to gain actionable intelligence from all types of data. ArcGIS is essential for professionals in urban planning, environmental management, business intelligence, disaster response, public health, and many other fields where understanding location and spatial relationships is critical to decision-making and problem-solving.
Core ArcGIS Products and Platforms
ArcGIS Desktop Suite
| Product | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ArcGIS Pro | Modern 64-bit desktop application with 2D/3D capabilities | Professional GIS analysts, primary workspace for GIS projects |
| ArcMap | Traditional desktop application (being phased out) | Legacy projects, users transitioning to ArcGIS Pro |
| ArcGIS Earth | Free 3D viewer for KML files and other formats | Basic 3D visualization, data exploration |
| ArcGIS Explorer | Free viewer for maps, globes, and GIS data | Simplified data viewing, basic querying |
ArcGIS Enterprise
| Component | Function | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Portal for ArcGIS | Internal sharing platform | Content management, collaboration tools |
| ArcGIS Server | Core web services engine | Publish maps, tools, and data as services |
| ArcGIS Data Store | Data storage solutions | Relational, tile cache, spatiotemporal storage |
| ArcGIS Web Adaptor | Integration with web servers | Security integration, load balancing |
ArcGIS Online
| Feature | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud-based GIS | SaaS platform for mapping and analysis | No infrastructure management required |
| Collaboration Tools | Sharing and group capabilities | Facilitate teamwork across organizations |
| App Templates | Configurable web applications | Create solutions without coding |
| Content Marketplace | Curated global data and basemaps | Ready-to-use authoritative content |
Developer Tools and SDKs
| Tool | Purpose | Primary Users |
|---|---|---|
| ArcGIS API for JavaScript | Web-based mapping applications | Web developers |
| ArcGIS Runtime SDKs | Native apps (iOS, Android, .NET, Qt, Java) | Mobile/desktop app developers |
| ArcGIS API for Python | Automation and analysis | Data scientists, GIS analysts |
| ArcPy | Python library for ArcGIS | GIS professionals, analysts |
Key Data Types and Formats
Vector Data
| Type | Description | Common Formats |
|---|---|---|
| Points | Discrete locations | Shapefile, File Geodatabase, Feature Class |
| Lines | Linear features | Shapefile, File Geodatabase, Feature Class |
| Polygons | Area features | Shapefile, File Geodatabase, Feature Class |
| Feature Classes | Collections of features | File Geodatabase, Enterprise Geodatabase |
| Feature Datasets | Groups of related feature classes | File Geodatabase, Enterprise Geodatabase |
Raster Data
| Type | Description | Common Formats |
|---|---|---|
| Imagery | Satellite/aerial photographs | TIFF, JPEG, JPEG 2000, MrSID |
| DEMs | Digital Elevation Models | TIFF, GRID, IMG |
| Continuous Data | Temperature, precipitation, etc. | TIFF, GRID, IMG |
| Classified Data | Land use, soil types, etc. | TIFF, GRID, IMG |
| Mosaic Datasets | Collections of raster data | File Geodatabase, Enterprise Geodatabase |
Data Containers
| Format | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Shapefile | Legacy Esri vector format | Simple sharing, older systems |
| File Geodatabase | Container for multiple datasets | Project organization, performance |
| Enterprise Geodatabase | Multi-user database | Organizational data management, editing |
| GeoPackage | OGC standard container | Open-source interoperability |
| Geodatabase XML | XML representation of geodatabase | Data transfer, version control |
Essential ArcGIS Pro Functionality
Interface Elements
| Element | Purpose | Access Via |
|---|---|---|
| Ribbon | Function access | Top of application |
| Contents Pane | Layer management | Left side panel |
| Catalog Pane | Data management | Tab in side panel |
| Geoprocessing Pane | Tool access | Analysis tab > Tools |
| View Tab | 2D/3D navigation controls | View tab on ribbon |
| Project Tab | Project settings and options | Project tab on ribbon |
Mapping and Visualization
| Function | Purpose | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Symbolization | Control feature appearance | Symbology tab on ribbon |
| Labels | Add text to features | Labeling tab on ribbon |
| Layout View | Create print/export layouts | Insert tab > New Layout |
| Time Animation | Visualize temporal data | Time tab on ribbon |
| Charts | Create data visualizations | View tab > Charts |
| Swipe Tool | Compare layers | View tab > Effects |
Selection and Query Tools
| Tool | Function | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Select by Attributes | Query based on properties | Map tab > Selection |
| Select by Location | Query based on spatial relationships | Map tab > Selection |
| SQL Query | Advanced data filtering | Layer Properties > Definition Query |
| Select by Graphics | Draw to select features | Map tab > Selection |
| Interactive Selection | Click to select features | Map tab > Selection Method |
GIS Analysis Tools and Methods
Vector Analysis
| Tool Category | Purpose | Example Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Overlay Analysis | Combine multiple feature layers | Intersect, Union, Erase |
| Proximity Analysis | Find what’s nearby | Buffer, Near, Generate Near Table |
| Statistical Analysis | Calculate statistics on features | Summarize Within, Spatial Join |
| Network Analysis | Analyze networks (roads, utilities) | Closest Facility, Route, Service Area |
| Pattern Analysis | Identify spatial patterns | Hot Spot, Cluster and Outlier |
Raster Analysis
| Tool Category | Purpose | Example Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Analysis | Analyze elevation data | Slope, Aspect, Viewshed |
| Hydrology Analysis | Model water flow | Flow Direction, Watershed, Flow Accumulation |
| Interpolation | Predict values between points | IDW, Kriging, Spline |
| Map Algebra | Perform calculations on rasters | Raster Calculator |
| Zonal Statistics | Calculate stats within zones | Zonal Statistics, Zonal Histogram |
Geocoding and Location Services
| Tool | Purpose | Access Via |
|---|---|---|
| Geocoding | Convert addresses to coordinates | Geocoding tab |
| Reverse Geocoding | Convert coordinates to addresses | Geocoding tab |
| Routing | Calculate optimal routes | Network Analyst extension |
| Location Allocation | Optimal facility placement | Network Analyst extension |
| Origin-Destination Analysis | Analyze movement between locations | Network Analyst extension |
Advanced Functionality and Extensions
3D GIS
| Feature | Purpose | Access Via |
|---|---|---|
| 3D Scenes | Create 3D visualizations | View tab > Create a New Scene |
| Elevation Surfaces | Define height sources | Contents pane > Ground |
| 3D Symbols | Create realistic 3D objects | Symbology pane |
| 3D Analyst Extension | Advanced 3D analysis | 3D Analyst tab |
| CityEngine | Advanced urban design | Separate application |
Spatial Statistics
| Tool | Purpose | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Global Moran’s I | Measure spatial autocorrelation | Spatial Statistics Tools |
| Getis-Ord Gi* | Identify hot/cold spots | Spatial Statistics Tools |
| Geographically Weighted Regression | Local regression analysis | Spatial Statistics Tools |
| Space-Time Pattern Mining | Analyze spatiotemporal trends | Spatial Statistics Tools |
| Cluster and Outlier Analysis | Identify statistical clusters | Spatial Statistics Tools |
Image Analysis and Remote Sensing
| Tool | Purpose | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Image Classification | Categorize imagery | Image Classification toolbar |
| NDVI Calculation | Vegetation index analysis | Image Analysis window |
| Change Detection | Identify changes over time | Image Analysis window |
| Ortho Mapping | Create orthorectified imagery | Imagery tab |
| Pansharpening | Enhance image resolution | Imagery tab |
Automation and Customization
ModelBuilder
| Feature | Purpose | Access Via |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Workflow | Create process diagrams | Analysis tab > ModelBuilder |
| Iterators | Process multiple inputs | ModelBuilder tools |
| Model Parameters | Define user inputs | Model Properties |
| Sub-Models | Create reusable components | Insert > Model |
| Export to Python | Convert model to script | Share > Export |
Python for ArcGIS
| Tool/Library | Purpose | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ArcPy | Python library for ArcGIS | Automation of geoprocessing |
| Jupyter Notebooks | Interactive Python development | Data science, documentation |
| Python Toolboxes | Custom geoprocessing tools | Tool creation and sharing |
| ArcGIS API for Python | Web GIS automation | ArcGIS Online/Enterprise integration |
| Conda Environments | Python package management | Managing dependencies |
# Example: Simple ArcPy Script
import arcpy
# Set workspace
arcpy.env.workspace = r"C:\Projects\MyProject\Data.gdb"
# Create buffer around points
arcpy.analysis.Buffer("input_points", "output_buffers", "500 Meters")
# Clip features using the buffers
arcpy.analysis.Clip("input_features", "output_buffers", "clipped_features")
# Calculate statistics
arcpy.analysis.Statistics("clipped_features", "output_stats",
[["POPULATION", "SUM"], ["INCOME", "MEAN"]])
Arcade Expressions
| Use Case | Purpose | Where to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Attribute Expressions | Dynamic attribute calculations | Field Calculator, Labels |
| Visualization Expressions | Data-driven symbology | Symbology > Arcade |
| Label Expressions | Custom label formatting | Labeling > Arcade |
| Popups Expressions | Custom popup content | Pop-up Properties |
| Constraint Expressions | Validate data entry | Domain Properties |
// Example: Arcade Expression for Labels
// Concatenate first and last name with proper case
var firstName = Proper($feature.first_name);
var lastName = Proper($feature.last_name);
return firstName + " " + lastName;
Common Challenges and Solutions
Data Management Issues
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Large Datasets | Use file geodatabases, indexing, spatial and attribute indexes |
| Multiple Coordinate Systems | Project data to a common coordinate system, define project coordinate system first |
| Data Quality Issues | Use topology rules, attribute domains, subtypes |
| Versioning Conflicts | Implement clear reconcile and post workflows, version management |
| Performance Issues | Optimize database, use feature caching, simplify where appropriate |
Map Design Problems
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Cluttered Maps | Use scale-dependent rendering, group layers, simplify symbology |
| Poor Color Choices | Follow cartographic principles, use color-blind friendly palettes |
| Unreadable Labels | Set label priorities, use halos, adjust placement properties |
| Data Visualization | Choose appropriate classification methods, normalization |
| Print Layout Issues | Use reference scales, set up page units properly, test prints |
Analysis Workflow Obstacles
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Complex Multi-step Analysis | Use ModelBuilder or Python scripts to automate |
| Reproducibility | Document workflows, create Python scripts, use ModelBuilder |
| Processing Time | Optimize inputs, use background processing, consider parallel processing |
| Memory Limitations | Process in batches, use 64-bit background processing |
| Tool Failures | Check inputs carefully, enable geoprocessing log for troubleshooting |
Best Practices
Project Organization
- Create logical folder structures for raw data, processed data, maps, and outputs
- Use descriptive naming conventions for all files and layers
- Document metadata thoroughly, including sources and processing steps
- Implement regular backup procedures for project data
- Create project templates for consistent workflows
Data Management
- Store related data in geodatabases rather than shapefiles
- Implement appropriate coordinate systems from the start
- Create and maintain spatial and attribute indexes
- Set up domains and subtypes for data integrity
- Regularly compact and repair geodatabases
Map Design
- Design with the end-use in mind (web, print, presentation)
- Use scale-dependent rendering to manage detail levels
- Follow cartographic principles for color, contrast, and hierarchy
- Create consistent legends and explanatory elements
- Test on target devices or print media
Analysis Workflow
- Document analysis steps thoroughly
- Create reusable models or scripts for common tasks
- Validate inputs before running analysis
- Check interim results throughout multi-step processes
- Consider edge cases and potential data issues
Collaboration and Sharing
- Use standardized layer packages for consistent symbolization
- Share data through web services when possible
- Document workflows for team members
- Use version control for scripts and models
- Create detailed metadata for shared resources
Resources for Further Learning
Official Esri Resources
Third-Party Resources
Training and Certification
- Esri Technical Certification Program
- Esri MOOC Offerings
- LinkedIn Learning GIS Courses
- Coursera GIS Specializations
- University GIS Certificate Programs
ArcGIS continues to evolve with regular updates and new capabilities. Always check the latest documentation for the most current features and functionality. This cheatsheet provides a foundation, but the platform’s depth extends well beyond what can be covered in a single reference guide.