ArcGIS Pro, 101

Before starting the first lab, please watch a short video to taste the class’s GIS software, ArcGIS Pro: Introducing ArcGIS Pro, ESRI

Create a Project

In ArcGIS Pro, you call a “project” a unit to display, geo-process, and map data. We will create a project for each class activity, lab, etc., so please remember “project.”

1. Start ArcGIS Pro
2. Under New, Click Map
3. The Create a New Project window appears. There is a default Location where your project will be saved – your location could differ from mine depending on your computer settings. You can change the Location by clicking the folder icon. However, in this lab, you will keep the default path. For Name, delete the existing one and type Lab01, and click OK:
   (Figure 1)

   Stop and Remember: Keeping track of the files you use and create in the class is VERY important. Please make sure that you ALWAYS know where you are saving your items!

    

4. As a default, your Map frame shows Topographic world data as a base map. We will explore how to change the base map later on.

Quick overview of ArcGIS Pro’s Ribbon and Panes

• Above the main window is called the Ribbon, composed of several tabs, and each tab has multiple buttons. Click each tab and browse the round buttons. (Figure 1)
• The default ArcGIS Pro has three main spaces: the Contents (left), Map (middle), and Catalog (right) panes. The Contents pane lists the data layers on the map – right now, only the Topographic layer. The Catalog pane shows more detailed information and management tools about the files related to the current project. (Figure 1)