Training Module Data Layers Script

All text surrounded by quotes indicates the suggested script for the trainer to follow. Text without quotes or in parenthesis indicates notes to the trainer.

"A data layer is a grouping of similar or like information. For example each of the following is a separate data layer (go into the Natural Resources theme and click on the Animals folder) Reptile Species Richness, Mammal Species Richness, Bird Species Richness, and Amphibian Species Richness."

"In the pre-exercise you just worked with a data layer called EPA Ecoregions. When you selected it and then clicked on Redraw Map you got a map of the state showing where the different ecoregions are."

"In most cases you can only view one distinct layer at a time. But there are some exceptions. For example, in Natural Resources (open this map theme) you can view EPA Superfund sites and EPA Ecoregions- two separate layers-at the same time (click on each of these layers, then redraw the map so as to illustrate)."

"However you can not view EPA Ecoregions and Watersheds at the same time (illustrate where Watersheds are by clicking on the Waterways folder). This is simply a limitation of the Atlas functionality at this time. Advanced users can work around this by downloading the data and using it in ArcExplorer."

Another way to illustrate the concept of layers is with a set of overhead transparencies. Each overhead would need to show different information (such as county boundaries, highways, and lakes - i.e. each overhead would show a different layer). You could place each overhead down on the projector one at a time, resulting in a map showing a series of layers.

RETURN TO MAIN PAGE

GO TO NEXT PART OF SCRIPT (Map Layout)