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The Home folder in ArcGIS

The problem

Isn’t it annoying having to constantly navigate to this that and the next place to save, export or open files? This is especially an issue when dealing with ArcGIS where you have connections between data and maps to maintain.

The solution for ArcGIS 10.0: the Home folder

The home folder is the folder where your map is saved. So if you locate your maps as high up your folder hierarchy as possible you can navigate to all your data from there.

Home folder in ArcCatalog

The Home folder in ArcCatalog appears at the top of the list. Sometimes you need to scroll up to see it.

The Home folder in ArcCatalog sidebar

Home folder in Save or export dialog

The Home folder also appears on the save or export dialog boxes. It’s pretty subtle though (I only just noticed it!).

The home folder in save and export dailogs (red box)

The home folder appears in a few other places where you open/save/export/import. Keep a look out for it to save time!

Coordinate systems in ArcGIS 10

One thing that has always frustrated me in ArcGIS is selecting coordinate systems. ArcGIS does feature a “favourites” options for coordinate systems but this only appears in a couple of dialog boxes.

The solution: Just copy and paste the coordinate system files to the same folder as all your coordinate systems.

On my computer the path was C:\Program FIles (x86)\ArcGIS\Desktop10.0\Coordinate Systems.

path to coordinate systems in ArcGIS
copy and paste coordinate systems you use often

Now when I browse they appear right under coordinate systems.

Quick access to coordinate systems

Datums and Projections

A basic understanding of datums and projections and how they are used is essential for anyone conducting research with a mapping/spatial component to it.

A reasonably good summary of geodetic datums and projections is written here (read this summary first) : http://www.linz.govt.nz/geodetic/find-out/understanding-datums/index.aspx

Some Key points about datums and projections

In general

NZ data specifically

Comparison between projections used in New Zealand. One grid shows NZMG, while the other shows NZTM
Comparison between projections used in New Zealand

For more info go to: http://www.linz.govt.nz/geodetic/datums-projections-heights