Maps with Same Projection but do not overlap

[conjuradoBench]

Good day!  I have a huge problem with my maps. Kindly see the attached files.

Map 2 has an unknown source and therefore, I try to use the 'define projection'. I input the projection of Map 1 for them to overlap. However, even with the same projection, it did not work. Please help me how to adjust the projection of Map 2 correctly to overlap it with Map 1. I sincerely can't find a solution to this and this is for my thesis so I sincerely need help. Thank you.

[RobertBorchert · Accepted solution]

Sorry but I will not open a random .zip file on my computer.  I would simply create a database and a dataset and use Web Mercator for the coordinate system.  Then import both into the feature dataset.  That should properly convert both features into the same projection. 

[conjuradoBench]

@RobertBorchert Thank you so much for your response. I'm new in arcGIS and so I only know the basics. That's why, if it's not too much to ask, can you explain to me in detail how to create a database and a dataset and use Web Mercator for the coordinate system. I'm using the arcgis 10.8 version. Please help me. Thank you.

[RhettZufelt · Accepted solution]

Each dataset needs to have a projection defined in order for Map to project on the fly.  Will also need defined coordinate system to convert to another.

So, in either case, you will need to define the projection on Map2 to the actual spatial reference for Map2, not the same as Map1.

R_

[conjuradoBench]

@RhettZufelt Thank you for your response. Can you please tell me in detail how to determine the actual spatial reference of a map if it has an unknown source? That, I think, is my main problem right now. I am genuinely hoping for a response. Thank you.

[RhettZufelt · Accepted solution]

I am defiantly not a projection guru.  Someone else might have better idea, but, generally, you get that information from the source.

Sometimes you can make "assumptions" based on the common CS's in that particular area and see if you get lucky and it lines up.

R_

[conjuradoBench]

@RhettZufelt Thank you so much for your help. I'll definitely try that. Have a great day.

[RobertBorchert]

What format are you files in?  Shapefile, database, etc.

[conjuradoBench]

@RobertBorchert both are in shapefile format