How to Make a Map on Arcmap
ArcMap, an application included with Environmental Systems Research Institute’s ArcGIS Desktop, can create and view maps. You can create a new map from a blank map or a template included with ArcMap. After creating a new map, you can add data files to it. The data files can represent geographic features, borders, cities and other features. ArcMap saves map files in its MXD file format, but you can also print maps or export them as image or PDF files.
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Instructions
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Open ArcMap by clicking “Start,” “All Programs,” the “ArcGIS” folder and “ArcMap.” The Getting Started window appears. If you already have ArcMap open, click “File” and “New” to open the Getting Started window.
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Click “Blank Map” and “OK” to create a map from scratch. You can also create a map from a template. For example, click “USA,” “Central USA” and “OK” to start with a map of the central United States.
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Add data layers to your map by clicking “File” and “Add Data.” Browse for map data files on your computer, select them and click “Add.” Select multiple data files at the same time by pressing and holding the “Ctrl” key down as you click each file.
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View the table of contents by clicking the “Windows” menu and clicking “Table of Contents” if it’s hidden. Data you add appears in this panel. If you started from a template, the template’s data also appears in this panel. You can click the check boxes near each item to hide the data from the map
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Save your map by clicking “File” and “Save,” then providing a name and location for the map file. You can also use the “Export Map” option in the File menu to save the map as an image file or a PDF file, or use the “Print” option to print the map.
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Tips & Warnings
Use the magnifying-glass-shaped “Zoom In” and “Zoom Out” tools to zoom in or out on the map. Click one on the toolbar, then click on the map to zoom at that point. If you can’t see the icons on the toolbar, right-click the ArcGIS toolbar and click “Tools” to re-enable the tools toolbar.
