Using ArcCatalog

Feature classes in a geodatabase can have subtypes, which
represent different categories of features. For example, lots might
be residential, commercial, or agricultural. When previewing a
feature class with subtypes in Geography view, each feature is
symbolized according to its subtype.
A raster dataset’s appearance in
Geography view depends on
how many raster bands it has. If
there is only one raster band,
the cell values are symbolized
using a grayscale color ramp
unless the raster dataset has a
colormap. Colormaps define the
color that will be used to
represent a specific value.
Raster datasets with more than
one raster band are displayed by creating a composite image. In
the Options tab, you can specify which raster bands supply the
red, green, and blue display values. For example, if a remotely
sensed image had seven bands, you might want to see bands
five, four, and three.
Raster catalogs can be objects
in geodatabases. They may also
be defined using a table. Either
way, ArcCatalog will draw raster
catalogs in Geography view. All
rasters in the raster catalog will
draw in the order in which they
were added.
TIN datasets are drawn using
the Catalog’s default symbology. A triangle’s color reflects its
elevation. Any mass points and break lines that were used to
create the TIN will be drawn as part of the TIN dataset.
Layers include a shortcut to data
that’s stored elsewhere and
information about how to
symbolize and label the data. For
example, the size of a city point
might reflect its population, and
the symbol used to represent a
city might reflect whether or not
it is a capital city. When you
preview a layer in the Catalog,
you see it exactly as it will appear in a map.
Layers may also include
instructions for joining attributes
stored in another table
to the data, a choice of which
attributes are available in the
map, and even alternate names
for those attributes that are
more descriptive.
Group layers combine data from
many data sources; when added
to a map, there is one entry in the table of contents for the group.
For example, a group layer named transportation might combine
highway, road, and trail coverages. Group layers can combine
data sources that have different
formats, such as TIN datasets
and shapefiles.
Not only can you preview
individual data sources, layers,
and graphs, but ArcCatalog can
also draw map documents, map
templates, and published maps
in Geography view. This lets
EXPLORING AN ITEM’S GEOGRAPHY 101