Digitizing in GIS is the process of converting geographic data either from a hardcopy or a scanned image into vector data by tracing the features. During the digitzing process, features from the traced map or image are captured as coordinates in either point, line, or polygon format.
2. Create new feature class
Created in ArcCatalog
GIS TUTORIAL 1 - Basic Workbook 2
3. Create new feature class
Add spatial reference information
GIS TUTORIAL 1 - Basic Workbook 3
4. Create new feature class
Add new fields
GIS TUTORIAL 1 - Basic Workbook 4
5. Create new feature class
Feature class created
GIS TUTORIAL 1 - Basic Workbook 5
6. Creating Feature Layers or Shapefiles in ArcMap
GIS TUTORIAL 1 - Basic Workbook 6
Within ArcMap:
-Locate an existing data layer that is similar to the layer that
you wish to create.
-Start editing the existing layer, then digitize the new feature
-Select the new feature
-Export the selection to a shapefile
-Add the shapefile- fields already present and map projection
is already defined
-Examples in the instructor exercise
7. Digitize new features
Create base map
Add feature in ArcMap
Start editing (Editor toolbar)
Digitize feature
Stop editing and save
GIS TUTORIAL 1 - Basic Workbook 7
8. Create base map for digitizing
Vector features or raster images
GIS TUTORIAL 1 - Basic Workbook 8
19. Trace tool
Good for complicated shapes
Editor toolbar, Trace tool
GIS TUTORIAL 1 - Basic Workbook 19
20. Generalize tool
Creates features for use at small scales with less detail while
preserving basic shapes
U.S. Census cartographic boundary files
GIS TUTORIAL 1 - Basic Workbook 20
Census TIGER water feature City planning rivers
21. Smooth tool
Smoothes sharp angles in polygon outlines to improve
aesthetic or cartographic quality
GIS TUTORIAL 1 - Basic Workbook 21
Smooth before Smooth after
22. Cut polygons
Creates two polygons from one original
Cut polygon tool
GIS TUTORIAL 1 - Basic Workbook 22
Polygon before Polygon after