The document provides steps for creating a shapefile, which include selecting a folder, naming the shapefile, choosing a feature type, and defining the coordinate system. It is recommended to define the coordinate system during shapefile creation for accuracy. The document also introduces ArcCatalog, noting that it allows users to explore, organize, manage, and preview geographic data and metadata.

1. How to create a shapefile
Prof. Dr. Sajid Rashid Ahmad
sajidpu@yahoo.com
Atiqa Ijaz Khan _ Demonstrator
atiqa_ss09@yahoo.com

2. Steps to create a shapefile
1. Select a folder or folder connection in the Catalog tree.
2. Click the File menu, point to New, and click Shapefile.
3. Click in the Name text box and type a name for the new shapefile.
4. Click the Feature Type drop-down arrow and click the type of geometry the
shapefile will
contain.
5. Click Edit to define the shapefile's coordinate system.
6. Select, import, or define a new coordinate system.
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3. • IMPORTANT POINT:
• It's highly recommended that you define the shapefile's coordinate system now.
• However, you can postpone this step until a later time.
• But, it is always a good step to define it earlier during this step.
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8. Introduction to Arc Catalog
• It let us explore, organize and manage geographic features/data.
• It stores MATADATA, i.e. data about data.
• It’s like giving information about spatial data like Windows Explorer.
• It can show folder and somewhat content in it.
• It let us preview features before adding to Arc Map.
• One can: copy, edit, delete, create and search for data.
• Each format have its own icon in Arc Catalog.
• One can connect required folder to it for further work.
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