Geographic Information Systems in Action

Chapter 5Common ArcGIS Tools

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Here is the content you will learn in this chapter:

1. Describe map overlay analysis and list some possible uses.
2. Identify the difference between Feature and Raster overlays and explain the pluses and minuses.
3. Describe proximity analysis and provide some possible uses.
4. List and describe some basic summary statistical analyses available in ArcGIS.
5. Describe how to access the Analysis Toolbox / Statistics Toolset.
6. Describe the utility of statistical analysis.
7. Describe what spatial statistical analyses are available in ArcGIS.
8. Illustrate how others have used statistical analysis in their work.
9. Describe basic table management procedures and capabilities of ArcGIS.
10. Describe how to perform some basic table management procedures.

BEHAVIORAL INDICATORS

When you are finished with this chapter, you will be able to:

1. Describe the general process of map overlay in GIS, explain at least three basic methods, and provide an example of how each might be used.
2. Describe the difference between Feature and Raster Overlays and briefly explain why one might be used over the other.
3. Describe what proximity analysis is and provide examples of how it might be used to solve geographic problems.
4. Perform a basic Buffer Analysis as an example of Feature‐based Proximity Analysis.
5. List and describe the basic methods of nonspatial Summary Statistics available inside ArcGIS.
6. Provide a description of how to find and use the Analysis and Statistics toolsets.
7. Describe ...