I've never used ArcMap Before (unzipping in ArcCatalog then moving to ArcMap)

[lisa_jopalacios]

I'm new to ArcMap and have never used it before several weeks ago. I've actually been able to teach myself a number of things in ArcMap 10, but not the following: I was given a Zip file and now must put the data into a map. I have no idea how to turn this Zip file into points in ArcMap. I do know the process starts in ArcCatalog...

Any advice would be helpful.

Thanks!

[JonathanQuinn]

The process actually starts in Windows Explorer.  Right click on the .zip file and unzip it using WinZip or similar program.  The files inside will be a shapefile or file geodatabase that contains feature classes.  Use ArcMap or ArcCatalog to interact with the unzipped data.

[FranklinEbner]

Just to emphasize the previous post, use ArcCatalog to view/copy/paste shapefiles.  This makes it much easier to view data as single files instead of in Windows Explorer where it will be displayed in its individual components.

[lisa_jopalacios]

Thanks for the help! I was able to open and start editing. I just had to find a free unzipping application, which seemed to be the most difficult part of the task. I was able to find a trial version for the meantime.

  Thanks again for your assistance! It was very helpful.