ArcReaderThe Basics

By Matthew Ziebarth

IT/GIS Co-Op

Helpful Places

The links below access online pdf content

There is also help inside ArcReader (press F1)

Esri web help for ArcReader (Best Resource)

Esri tutorial for ArcReader (Simple)

Esri user guide for ArcReader (In-Depth)

What is ArcReader?

-Developed by Esri

-Opens “pmf” files (ArcMap published maps)

With ArcReader you can:

-View maps

-Explore maps

-Print maps

Where is the Data? The source of the layers in the ArcReader table of

contents is most likely the City network drives.

- A bold box without an

exclamation point is ok.

(sourced)- A grey box with a red

exclamation point is bad.

(not sourced)

The Publishing Process

Creating the most user-friendly and efficient ArcReader projects requires a combination of effort and communication between the ArcReader user (you) and the ArcMap editor/publisher (IT/GIS).

The specific responsibilities are as follows:

ArcReader User Process

Step 1: Design and diagram a data model.

- What do you want to see on the map?

- What is the end use for this map?

- Does the information/data for this idea exist? Where?

- Can the regular users be trained to use it when it is done?

Step 2: Share complete design with publisher (IT/GIS).

Step 3: Test prototype of design and look for ways it could be better.

- What are the best: - default views - layers

- symbology - labels

- scale ranges - print settings

Step 4: Share pros/cons/improvement ideas with publisher.

Step 5: Repeat steps 3 & 4 until an optimal product is ready for use.

The ArcReader Application Table of Contents

Data View (Globe Button) Layout View (Page Button)

Symbology

Zoom, Pan, and Extent Tools

Identify, Find, and Measure Tools

Swipe Tool

Highlight & Erase Tools

Map Display

ArcReader Table of Contents

Notice this data frame is bold. This means it is the active data frame. To make a data frame active, right click and choose “Activate”.

Example Data Frame

Symbology comes in many forms and is important for a useful map. Usually it is best to avoid too many colors and unique symbols.

Real Data Frame

Notice the Layer names and symbols. Choose names and labels that are understood by every user of the map product.

ArcReader Data View

The data view is used for viewing and exploring the map. It is accessed by the little globe button near the bottom of the table of contents. Use this view for all finding and querying tasks or to set up the map display in order to print a certain extent.

It is much more convenient to zoom and pan inside data view. You have access to a simple set of tools that are not as effective in layout view. These will be described in detail next.

To put it simply:

Data View = Working and SearchingLayout View = Printing

ArcReader Tools

The zoom tools allow you to change the scale at which you see the layers that are drawn on the map. You can drag the zoom box to zoom in or out of a selected area. Alternately you can roll the mouse wheel forward or back.

The pan tool allows you to move across the map without changing the scale (zoom). Alternately you can use the slider bars on the bottom and left of the map display.

You can choose a specific scale here, or see which one you’re at.

ArcReader Tools

The identify tool allows you to see the attributes of a feature or multiple features.

The find tool allows you to search for a specific feature or address/intersection.

The measure tool allows you to measure a distance between two points on the map.

Note: For exact lengths/areas of features on the map, use the identify tool instead.

The swipe tool allows you to temporarily erase a layer and see “underneath” it.

The highlighter tools allow you to mark-up and make notes on the map.

ArcReader Layout View

The layout view allows you to see all of the information in a published map. This may include multiple data frames in addition to map elements such as a title, scale bar, legend, and other marginalia.

This is how the map would look if it were printed.

Changing the Map View

In addition to zooming and panning, you can also use the magnify tool. This creates a mini map which you can change the magnification level and lock the view.

Another useful tool is the bookmark tab. The map publisher will have a list of common views saved here.

ArcReader MapTips

As you hover your mouse pointer over certain features, a label will temporarily pop up. This is called MapTips and must be set-up by the publisher.

Each layer can have MapTips enabled for one field, such as “type” or “address”. Make sure to let the publisher know which MapTips are most useful for your ArcReader project.

Continuous Communication

It will take many uses and several weeks before you find all of the pros and cons of your published map.

It is important that you continue to tell the publisher what would make your experience better and what you would prefer to be changed.