Intro to GIS – Week 5 – Projections Part 1

GIS 4043 Week 5 Lab: Projections Part 1

In this week’s lab, I learned about Geographic Coordinate Systems, Projected Coordinate Systems, how to use the Project Tool to re-project layers in a common Projected Coordinate System, and how to use the Raster Project Tool to do the same for raster-based layers.

As stated above, the Project Tool under ArcToolBox is used to change the coordinate system or projection of a vector dataset.  There is a Raster Project tool for raster datasets.  The Project Tool is found under ArcToolBox > Data Management Tools > Projections and Transformations > Project.

Being able to set a spatial filter applicable to the current visible extent was extremely helpful as it reduced the number of projected coordinate system options significantly to a somewhat manageable level. 

I found the Geographic Transformation Optional box particularly interesting.  The transformation or warping of the image may be necessary even after an output coordinate system has been selected.

Below is my map showing the State of Florida under three (3) different Projected Coordinate Systems.