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ArcGIS Desktop is a collection of software products that runs on standard desktop computers. It is used to create, import, edit, query, map, analyze, and publish geographic information. There are four products in the ArcGIS Desktop collection; each adds a higher level of functionality.
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ArcReader is a free viewer for maps authored using the other ArcGIS Desktop products. It can view and print all maps and data types. It also has some simple tools to explore and query maps.
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ArcView provides extensive mapping, data use, and analysis along with simple editing and geoprocessing capabilities.
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ArcEditor includes advanced editing for shapefiles and geodatabases in addition to the full functionality of ArcView.
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ArcInfo is the full function, flagship GIS desktop. It extends the functionality of both ArcView and ArcEditor with advanced geoprocessing. It also includes the legacy applications for ArcInfo Workstation.
All ArcGIS Desktop products share a common architecture, so users working with any of these GIS desktops can share their work with others. Maps, data, symbology, map layers, geoprocessing models, custom tools and interfaces, reports, metadata, and so on, can be accessed interchangeably. This means that all GIS users in an organization can benefit from using a single, consistent user interface and set of functionality and data formats, thus minimizing the need to learn and deploy several different products.
In addition, maps, data, and metadata created with ArcGIS Desktop can be shared with many users through the use of custom applications and advanced GIS Web services using ArcIMS and ArcGIS Server.
ArcGIS Desktop Extensions
New capabilities can be added to desktop products through a series of ArcGIS extensions. Extensions allow you to perform tasks such as raster geoprocessing, three-dimensional visualization, and geostatistical analysis.
GISDATA developers can create new custom extensions to ArcGIS Desktop by working with ArcObjects, the ArcGIS software component library. GISDATA develops extensions and custom tools using standard Windows programming interfaces such as Visual Basic (VB), .NET, Java, and Visual C++.
ArcGIS Desktop Applications
ArcGIS Desktop is a suite of integrated applications including ArcMap, ArcCatalog, ArcToolbox, ModelBuilder, and ArcGlobe. Using these applications in unison, you can perform any GIS task, simple to advanced, including mapping, geographic analysis, data editing and compilation, data management, visualization, and geoprocessing.
ArcMap
ArcMap is the central application in ArcGIS Desktop for all map-based tasks including cartography, map analysis, and editing. ArcMap is a comprehensive map authoring application for ArcGIS Desktop.
ArcMap offers two types of map views:
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Geographic data view—an environment where geographic layers are symbolized, analyzed, and compiled into GIS data sets. A table of contents interface organizes and controls the drawing properties of the GIS data layers in the data frame. The data view is a window into any GIS data set for a given area.
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Page layout view—an environment where map pages contain geographic data views as well as other map elements such as scale bars, legends, north arrows, and reference maps. The page layout view is used to compose maps on pages for printing and publishing.
ArcCatalog
The ArcCatalog application organizes and manages all GIS information such as maps, globes, data sets, models, metadata, and services. It includes tools to:
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Browse and find geographic information
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Record, view, and manage metadata
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Define, export, and import geodatabase schemas and designs
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Search and browse GIS data on local networks and the Web
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Administer an ArcGIS Server.
Users employ ArcCatalog to organize, find, and use GIS data as well as document data holdings using standards-based metadata. A GIS database administrator uses ArcCatalog to define and build geodatabases. A GIS server administrator uses ArcCatalog to administer the GIS server framework.
Geoprocessing With ArcToolbox and ModelBuilder
Geoprocessing involves deriving information through analysis of existing GIS data and is a critical function in all GIS software. Geoprocessing is used for many GIS activities such as proximity and overlay analysis, data conversion, and data summary. It can also be used to automate many batch procedures in a GIS. Users apply geoprocessing functions to generate high-quality data, perform quality analysis/quality control checks on data, and undertake modeling and analysis.
ArcGIS Desktop provides a geoprocessing framework of tools that can be run in several different ways as:
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Dialog boxes in ArcToolbox
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Inputs to models in ModelBuilder
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Commands in a command line prompt or input
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Functions in scripts
This framework facilitates the creation, use, documentation, and sharing of geoprocessing models. The two main parts of the geoprocessing framework include ArcToolbox, an organized collection of geoprocessing tools, and ModelBuilder, a visual modeling language for building geoprocessing work flows and scripts.
ArcToolbox
ArcToolbox contains a comprehensive collection of geoprocessing functions including tools for:
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Data management
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Data conversion
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Coverage processing
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Vector analysis
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Geocoding
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Statistical analysis
ArcToolbox is embedded in ArcCatalog and ArcMap and is available in ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo.
ModelBuilder
The ModelBuilder interface provides a graphical modeling framework for designing and implementing geoprocessing models that can include tools, scripts, and data. Models are data flow diagrams that link together a series of tools and data to create advanced procedures and work flows. ModelBuilder is a productive mechanism to share methods and procedures with others within, as well as outside, your organization.
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