Newbie questions

[PaulOdendaal]

I am a Newbie to Arcgis, but a seasoned Autocad user.

Recently I received files with extensions .aux, .tiff, .tfw, .tab, .rrd, but I cannot import these files into Autocad as it tells me it will only import version 7 & 8 files - so I am snookered.

I have downloaded a demo version of Arcmap and Arcgis and need some help to steer me in the right direction.

THe first problem I encountered is that it asks me to register a service or server. I have no idea whether this is part of a project or only for using external servers for other users.

I will be using these programs on my own PC and I would like to save all the data on this PC and not share with anyone.

What are the basic steps that I should go through to import map data or make a new map with geograhical data.

My application is to put contours and lat and long on a part of Google Earth of South Africa - and to enhance the map with 3D colours of the contours.

I do not even know if I am on the right forum, but it seems to be active - so please bear with me.

Thanks

PK

[JayantaPoddar]

Could you provide a screenshot of the error message (from ArcGIS)?

[PaulOdendaal]

Hi Jayanta,

Here is the error in Autocad.

I do not get the server question when I open Arcgis now.

How do I get Google Earth as background and how do I import .tif files into Arcgis onto the Google Earth background?

Thanks

PK

[PaulOdendaal]

Sorry - wrong file, here is the correct one

[JayantaPoddar]

You could use Imagery with Labels/Streets or other basemaps in ArcMap as background(Add Basemap option). 

And you could convert the data to KML (Layer to KML) to open it on Google Earth. Layer To KML—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop 

But to align your data either with the Basemap in ArcMap or in Google Earth, the data must be georeferenced. Fundamentals of georeferencing a raster dataset—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop 

From the error (ArcMap Error.jpg), I can say that the data is not georeferenced or lacks coordinate system.