Latest Contributions by ChrisDonohue__GISP

This ESRI article suggests several methods: 43993 - Convert a point feature class to a polygon feature class Note that some of the processes require higher level licenses and one solution requires a third-party software (ET Geowizards). Chris Donohue, GISP ... View more

For clarification, can you explain what is a "1st order neighbor"?  Is that a spatial relationship, like polygons touching it, or a relationship of nitrate concentrations?  Do you need an iterative process to do all your polygons or just a single process that does the central polygon and what is immediately around it? Also, if you have a diagram or figure that shows what you are trying to do, can you post it? Chris Donohue, GISP ... View more

Hmmm, shapefiles, CSV - I bet Dan Patterson has a solution.  One caveat - it may involve Python Chris Donohue, GISP ... View more

One idea - if you forsee using this overlapping data often, you may want to look into Representations: Introduction to the cartographic representations tutorial—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop However, if this is a one-time map, it's probably not worth doing Representations, as there is a learning curve and some time needed to set it up. Chris Donohue, GISP ... View more

The best way to accomplish your goal will depend upon several variables.  Some considerations: 1.  Is your basemap vector or raster?  If it is vector, see #3. 2.  Is the scale known for your basemap?  Is the basemap in a projected coordinate system?  Since you want to keep in with accurate proportions, it will be important that the information be in a projected coordinate system (and it may not be currently). 3.  It sounds like the process will involve creating a raster, as you propose printing the basemap, drawing on it, and then scanning it back in.  Depending upon what you want to accomplish by drawing on it, it may be easier to create a Vector feature class (or copy the existing one, if that is the case) and draw/edit the linework in your copy and keep the entire process in ArcGIS. 4.  Another option is to export your basemap as a raster, work on it in Photoshop or another image manipulation program, then georeference it back to your original base image. Chris Donohue, GISP ... View more

I don't see a quick and easy solution, but one option is to use Topology to make the linework coincident and then work from there. ArcGIS Help (10.2, 10.2.1, and 10.2.2) - Set a Cluster Tolerance that will allow a sufficient distance that nearby linework that should overlap will be captured. - Set the layer with the greatest accuracy as Rank 1 and the others as a much higher value.  This way that less accurate (Rank >1) linework will move to the Rank 1. EDIT - fixed some typos. Chris Donohue, GISP ... View more

As Rickey mentioned, a red exclamation next to a layer means the link to the data has been broken. You can often relink the data right in ArcMap by clicking on the exclamation point, then browsing to where the data is. Repairing Broken Data Links ArcGIS Desktop EDIT:  Boy, tons of replies came in while I was typing up mine.  I guess I have to type faster.... Chris Donohue, GISP ... View more

You may to check with your SDE Administrator about permissions.  As I've been working more with SDE I've been surprised just how many types of operations trigger permission issues, whether an explicit warning or hidden. For example, we're currently working with ESRI Support on why we can't rebuild an existing Street Network that resides in SDE with Network Analyst due to multiple permission issues. Chris Donohue, GISP ... View more

That is the correct one for the lower 48. When ArcGIS first started requiring Transformations, it was quite the puzzle to correctly find information for the best transformation for different systems in a given location.  Finding that specific information a few years ago was gold! And even now it is still relevant, as the default transformation chosen by ArcMap is not always the best one for a given location... Chris Donohue, GISP ... View more

I wonder if the developers of the Three Word system ran it through some checks for potential pronunciation confusion?  As I'm learning more about addressing, I've found the Emergency Response criteria of not having potentially confusing location names is an interesting constraint. For example, at the County-wide level in my area all new Streets are vetted to ensure not only that the new street name does not exactly match an existing street name, but also that a new street name is not close enough in pronunciation that it could be mistaken for another when a call comes in to Dispatch. I've discovered that there is even coding developed to help check on this (Soundex functions) Previous GeoNet thread on coding to find similar sounding street names Help finding similar sounding street names Chris Donohue, GISP ... View more

I'll second what Robert suggested - be sure to check that their is not a conflict on interest with your existing job.  I was surprised when I moved from the Private Sector to the Public Sector last year just what is considered a conflict of interest, as some of the "conflicts" are not obvious and many of the resulting constraints are very limiting.  In the private world, what is considered a conflict is usually things like working for a competitor.  In the public world, it is much more broad and limiting. Furthermore, many municipalities use a more strict standard - essentially "potential perceived conflict of interest", which can be interpreted to mean one cannot do any side work in any way related to ones field.  So depending upon your current organizations standards, you may be entirely precluded from doing any side work in the GIS field. Be sure to also check if your organization requires disclosure paperwork.  It may be for them that doing digitizing is OK, but you will have to get authorization first and then do regular disclosures. As a practical example of this, when I won some prizes from ESRI a few months ago as part of the GeoNet Launch contest, I ended up turning down some of them as the City I work for would have considered it a potential conflict as the total value would have exceeded the limit my organization has set. Chris Donohue, GISP ... View more

Interesting, but I'm still a bit fuzzy on the practical part of this system. I wonder how they chose the words.  They don't seem to be in any sequence as one traverses from one 3 meter x 3 meter square to another.  They seem random. Also, how will their addressing handle multiple locations in one 3x3 location.  For example, the classic local conundrum of multistory Condo's?  Or an 100 story building in New York City or another major city? Finally, how will the average person relate to this?  Do we need signage for each 3x3 location so people can identify it?  Or is it assumed everyone will have a GPS with good enough accuracy to locate the appropriate square? Chris Donohue, GISP ... View more

If nothing else, Hillshades!  It can really help make your aerials "pop" by adding a good hillshade. Viewshed analysis' are another one to do.  A concern that comes up on some projects is just how visible a new structure will be, so running a Viewshed can help the Planners and public get a sense of where there is a potential visual impact. As Mike mentions, taking a class can be very helpful in seeing what is possible.  Also, given the time constraint you have, I would line up the data before turning it on, as sometimes it can take some time to track down a good Digital Elevation Model (DEM) or other elevation data. Chris Donohue, GISP ... View more

Adding some ESRI enterprise geodatabase experts where in case they have some ideas: Jake Skinner Asrujit SenGupta Vince Angelo Chris Donohue, GISP ... View more

At least from a cursory view, it looks like the CLDXF is the NENA finalized standard: NG9-1-1 Civic Location Data Exchange Format - National Emergency Number Association Now, as to whether it is a good/workable standard, I'll let the experts weigh in on.... Chris Donohue, GISP ... View more