how to get a base map?

[marcie_elenemarcus]

Hiyya,

I was just wandering, where and how we can get a base map for ArcMap. Normally before I start my project, i was given a base map.. so let say, I got a different area that need to be modelling using Arcmap ( i'm using ArcMap 9.3), where can i get a base map.. for example Asia country ... i'm looking for south-east Asia area... Do you have any suggestion?


Thanks

[AlexeyTereshenkov]

Hi,

If you use ArcGIS 10, I'd suggest you to start with adding some basemaps in ArcMap via File > Add Data > Add Basemap. You can also try to find relevant maps in in ArcMap via File > Add Data > Add Data From ArcGIS Online.

You can also add a GIS Server connection in Catalog window in ArcMap. Go to the GIS Server folder and add a couple of ArcGIS Server connections to:

http://sampleserver3.arcgisonline.com/arcgis/services
http://sampleserver1.arcgisonline.com/arcgis/services
http://sampleserver2.arcgisonline.com/arcgis/services

The instructions for this can be found at: http://help.arcgis.com/en/arcgisdesktop/10.0/help/index.html#//006m00000062000000.htm

Again, just look for some relevant maps for you.

Alternatively, you'd try to find local national land survey or cartography agencies which sometimes provide access to their basemaps either for free or for some small fee.

[marcie_elenemarcus]

Hi,
tereshenkov


Thanks for replying me. I had tried using your method however i came into error. I had attached a prints screen about the error. [ATTACH=CONFIG]11867[/ATTACH]

I currently using ArcMap 9.3 version. Do you know why i can't open the link that you gave me?

:confused:

[AlexeyTereshenkov]

You access the GIS Services with some basemaps or just data in ArcCatalog (since you use ArcGIS 9.3).

Here are the help pages: http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.3/index.cfm?TopicName=Connecting_to_GIS_servers

The URLs you specify in the dialog box are listed in my previous post.

You need to connect to ArcGIS Server services from ArcCatalog, not from the Web browser.

Alternatively, you'd try to find local national land survey or cartography agencies which sometimes provide access to their basemaps either for free or for some small fee. You can also just do some search on the Internet for GIS data on Asia. Some of those will be free, some for purchase.