Working With Data
Introduction
GIS is centered around using different types of data to fulfill your purposes. In this section, we will go over the most common file types that data can come in, and how to use it within common GIS softwares such as ArcGIS.
NOTE: Some materials within this guide may differ depending on the type of software you use. We encourage you to familarize yourself with any software you are using as well as using information from this guide.
File Management
A large part of working with data in GIS is having a strong familarity with how your file system works. If you are unfamiliar, we recommend that you check out our Unix Fundamentals.
Adding Files to a Project
Any project that we work with using a GIS software will usually have a project tab in the top header that allows you to open a Project. This is where you will have different maps, layers, and processes stored that you can have saved into your project at anytime.
To add files to your project. There will typically be an option that allows you to open a folder or file within the projects tab or within an insert tab such as the case for ArcGIS. From here, knowing where your files are located is essential, as you will want to select the files that you want to add to your project here.
Some softwares such as ArcGIS Pro will allow you to connect a folder from your computer to their system in your projects pane, allowing you to pull any layer files that you have in that folder into your project.