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.