ArcMap & ArcInfo - Introduction • Part of the ArcGIS Desktop suite developed by ESRI. • ArcMap focuses on mapping and visualization. • ArcInfo is an advanced GIS system offering powerful spatial analysis. • Widely used in professional and governmental organizations.
History of ArcInfo • Released in early 1980s by ESRI. • First widely used GIS software. • Introduced advanced geoprocessing and spatial analysis. • Served as foundation for ArcGIS platform.
Evolution of ArcGIS Desktop • ArcInfo evolved into ArcGIS Desktop suite. • ArcMap became the main interface for mapping tasks. • ArcCatalog for data management. • ArcToolbox for geoprocessing tools.
ArcMap Interface • Map display (data view, layout view). • Table of contents for managing layers. • Toolbars with mapping tools. • Attribute table for data editing.
Core Features of ArcMap • Map visualization and layout. • Symbolization and cartographic design. • Attribute data management. • Basic spatial analysis. • Integration with ArcGIS Online.
Core Features of ArcInfo • Advanced geoprocessing tools. • Network and terrain analysis. • Data conversion and transformation. • Advanced topology and editing. • ModelBuilder automation.
Data Formats Supported • Shapefiles, File Geodatabases, Personal Geodatabases. • Raster formats: TIFF, IMG, GRID. • CAD data: DWG, DXF, DGN. • Web services: WMS, WFS, WMTS.
Spatial Analysis Tools • Overlay and buffering. • Proximity analysis. • Raster algebra and surface analysis. • Network routing and service areas. • Geostatistical modeling.
Cartography in ArcMap • Professional map layouts. • Advanced labeling and annotation. • Scale-dependent rendering. • Map templates for standardized output. • High-quality export formats.
ArcCatalog • Data management component of ArcGIS Desktop. • Organizes spatial data and metadata. • Supports database connections. • Provides preview for datasets. • Used to manage projections and coordinate systems.
ArcToolbox • Collection of geoprocessing tools. • Tools for conversion, overlay, extraction. • Custom model creation. • Integrated with ModelBuilder for workflow automation.
Applications - Environmental Studies • Habitat suitability modeling. • Land cover and land use analysis. • Climate change studies. • Environmental impact assessments.
Applications - Urban & Regional Planning • Land parcel management. • Utility and infrastructure planning. • Transportation network design. • Zoning and development analysis.
ArcMap vs ArcInfo ArcMap: • Focus on visualization and basic analysis. • User-friendly mapping interface. ArcInfo: • Advanced data processing and analysis. • Suitable for complex GIS workflows.
ArcGIS Desktop vs QGIS • ArcGIS Desktop is proprietary, QGIS is open-source. • ArcGIS offers more stable advanced tools. • QGIS has flexible plugin ecosystem. • ArcGIS widely adopted in industry and government.
Limitations of ArcMap & ArcInfo • Expensive licensing. • High system requirements. • Steeper learning curve. • Transition to ArcGIS Pro replacing ArcMap.
Future of ArcGIS Desktop • ESRI focusing on ArcGIS Pro. • ArcMap in maintenance phase. • Continued support but no new features. • Migration encouraged to newer platforms.
Conclusion • ArcMap & ArcInfo laid the foundation of modern GIS. • Essential tools for mapping and spatial analysis. • Still relevant but gradually replaced by ArcGIS Pro. • Strong role in shaping GIS industry.
References • ESRI Official Documentation. • ArcGIS Desktop Help. • ESRI Training and Tutorials. • GIS textbooks and academic publications.