topic Re: How to create vector shapes by tracing? in Data Management Questions

How to create vector shapes by tracing?

HannahLees1 — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 16:43:29 GMT

I am new to GIS-- I have skills with adobe creative suite, and javascript, html, css.

I want to create a map with multiple layers using arcgis. Each layer will have shapes that represent a territory in Colorado associated with a particular utility company. I have PDF images of Colorado maps that have the shapes drawn onto them.

The goal is to have a user scroll over a particular place in CO and know which utility companies are available in that location.

My first thought was - "I will upload the pdf to Illustrator, trace the shapes, then upload the vector shapes into ArcGIS"

However, I tried this, and saved it in every format that illustrator allowed and I was not able to upload it. I KNOW that there is a way to do it with very expensive software, and I have tried saving it as a DWG and that does not work.

MY QUESTION:

How can I trace shapes in Arc GIS without having the coordinate data? Is there another software I can use (Without attached cost) that will allow me to create these vector files that I can then just put over the map of colorado in different layers?

Re: How to create vector shapes by tracing?

RickeyFight — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 16:46:43 GMT

You could georeferance existing utilities with Georeferencing toolbar tools—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop

Re: How to create vector shapes by tracing?

HannahLees1 — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 16:54:59 GMT

I am not sure I understand what that means or how to do it...

Re: How to create vector shapes by tracing?

HannahLees1 — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 16:57:14 GMT

I would like to be able import my file to arc GIS so i can trace over it

Re: How to create vector shapes by tracing?

RickeyFight — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 16:58:47 GMT

Do you have Arcgis for desktop?

Do you have a way to turn pdf into tiffs?

Re: How to create vector shapes by tracing?

HannahLees1 — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 17:03:38 GMT

No, I have the arcOnline-- my pdfs are not giving me an option to save as TIFF

Re: How to create vector shapes by tracing?

RickeyFight — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 17:26:56 GMT

Here is the list of all files that can be uploaded

Add layers—ArcGIS Online Help | ArcGIS

Re: How to create vector shapes by tracing?

LynnGionette — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 17:32:22 GMT

You need adobe scrobat to save as a .tiff it will not let you in adobe reader. Maybe you can take a screen capture and save that as a .tiff. You can then georeference it and trace it!

Re: How to create vector shapes by tracing?

LynnGionette — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 17:32:43 GMT

*acrobat

Re: How to create vector shapes by tracing?

HannahLees1 — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 18:40:16 GMT

Thank you.

I have saved it as a tiff and uploaded it to my content. However, I am unable to find it when I go to "Maps" and search my content... I also have no place where I can find the "view-- toolbar --- georeference" that I have read about in many blogs.

I do not have Arc GIS desktop but rather ArcOnline

Re: How to create vector shapes by tracing?

RickeyFight — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 18:45:11 GMT

If you look at the link I added about adding layers it describes each type of layer that can be added.

I was suggesting a .tiff before I knew that you did not have desktop.

Re: How to create vector shapes by tracing?

HannahLees1 — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 18:48:14 GMT

Thanks, but if I do not have desktop... how can I upload an image and georeference it?

Re: How to create vector shapes by tracing?

LynnGionette — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 18:54:18 GMT

The Georeference tool bar is not automatically added to the tool bars, you want to go to the Customize drop down at the top of arcmap and select tool bars. You can turn on the georeferencing tool bar there. You will want to read a quick tutorial online on how to georeference before hand. It's very easy but can seem hard at first. You can do it!!

Re: How to create vector shapes by tracing?

LynnGionette — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 18:59:11 GMT

oh darn, I just read that you have online and not desktop. I'm sorry I gave you desk top instructions. We don't use online here. I'm not sure how to help but it can't be much different. There must be some sort of customize and georeference tool.

You got this!!

Re: How to create vector shapes by tracing?

RickeyFight — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 19:17:31 GMT

Hannah,

If you know where the boundaries are (assuming there are not a lot of features) you could create a layer on AGOL and draw it yourself. You would not have the pdf online to reference though.