Map Layer Basics Flashcards
In ArcGIS, most maps are composed of a _________ layer and one or more ________ layers.
basemap
operational
The basemap layer is usually displayed as a background, providing geographic context for the operational layers.
What adds contextual information that enable map users to better understand the location and scale of the map. Because it’s purpose is to provide context, the underlying data that comprises it is not queryable, editable, or selectable. However, some can be restyled to use different symbology or localized labels. They are frequently composed of continuous data and placed lower in the drawing order so that operational layers are visible.
Basemaps
What layers visualize the data that supports the purpose of the map. Like basemap layers, these layers can be composed of vector or raster data. Because they are essential to conveying the map’s message to the audience, they can be edited, selected, and queried. Map authors frequently adjust the symbology of these layers to better communicate the map’s purpose to the audience.
Operational
What includes the geographic information of features, including metadata, attributes, and location?
The data
What is the representation of that data in the context of a map, including which features are shown and what symbols are used to show them?
A layer
Layer Properties: What properties include items like the layer name and scale-based display. If a layer name is incomprehensible to the general public, you can rename the layer to something that is more useful to map readers. Remember that changing the layer name will not change the name of the underlying dataset. Sometimes, you may have several copies of the same data displayed in a map. You can use layer properties to control the scales at which the layer will display. For example, if you have a detailed layer that was intended for use at large (zoomed-in) scales, you may want to restrict that layer to display only at those large scales, while using a less detailed layer for smaller scales.
General
Layer Properties: What tab of the Layer Properties window controls several core properties relating to the underlying data the layer is referencing. Some important sections in it include the Data Source section and the Spatial Reference section. The Data Source section contains information about the type of data, the source name, and the URL or file path where the data is stored. The Spatial Reference section provides information about the underlying coordinate system, including the geographic coordinate system or projected coordinate system.
Source
Layer Properties: What properties are controlled in many places throughout ArcGIS. They include symbology (the size, design, and configuration of the layer’s symbols) and whether the layer symbols scale with the map or stay the same size, regardless of scale. These options can vary depending on whether you are working in a 2D map or a 3D scene.
Display
Layer Properties: What tab provides the ability to control which features display in the map, based on a field in the attribute table. You can use the Query Builder or Structured Query Language (SQL) to define the filter used by ArcGIS Pro within your map.
Definition Query
Layer Properties: What provide options to activate the Time Slider and the Range Slider. The Time Slider enables you to visualize features through time. The Range Slider enables you to step through your data in the map with any numerical field.
Time tab and the Range tab
Layer Properties: Like some display properties, what options can be controlled from a pane in ArcGIS Pro. It enables you to add text directly to the map based on a layer’s attribute. You can control everything from basic properties of them to intricate aspects of them (such as placement and priority) in your map.
Labeling
Map layer symbology controls the symbols used to represent features on your map. What are the six properties it controls?
Borders, Fills, Transparency, Size, Shape, Color
When you add data to a map in ArcGIS Pro, the layers will be shown using default symbology. What is the default symbology for points, lines and polygons?
Polygons will have a light fill and a uniform light gray outline.
Lines will all use the same width.
Points will all be the same size.
All the layers will be assigned a random color.
Maps that are easy to read and understand usually have good ______ _______, where the elements of the map have been arranged to show their order of importance to the map reader.
visual hierarchy
A what allows you to use feature attributes to determine which features should be visible on the map, without having to make changes to the original dataset?
A definition query
