PART C

ARC EXPLORER

ArcExplorer is included on this CD because it is a useful tool for viewing the spatial data on this disk, especially for those users without access to GIS software. ArcExplorer uses the same data files as ArcView, although a project, or group of files, uses the .AEP extension instead of the .APR used by ArcView. Two projects are included in this report: a simplified geologic map (GEOLOGY.AEP) and a mines and prospects map (MINES.AEP). Any of the other layers (termed "themes" by the Arc programs) that use the same projection may be added or removed from these projects. The project (aep) files are in the root directory.

To use the ArcExplorer project files in Part C, install ESRI's ArcExplorer. ArcExplorer 1.1 can be installed by opening the self-extracting file aeclient.exe in PartC/ArcExplorer, or it can be downloaded free from the ESRI homepage (http://www.esri.com). After reading the introductory chapter (MA_intro.*), open the program and select File/Open Project. Select the root directory on the CD-ROM. Click on either the geologic map (GEOLOGY.AEP) or mines (MINES.AEP) projects. All of the layers (or "themes") will appear in the "legend" on the left of the map. Each theme will be labeled with the filename and then any field names follow. All of the field names are described in the metadata in Part D. Any ArcView compatible file in the same projection may be added by clicking Theme/Add Theme. Turn layers on and off by checking the box on the left edge. To query a single layer, click on the explanation label to make the layer active (it will highlight it in a raised box). Then chose Theme/Theme Properties. Select Classification Options and a Field from the drop down boxes. For further instructions on using ArcExplorer, consult the program's HELP menu. (A bug in the current version of ArcExplorer makes it inadvisable to change line weights. In our testing, changing the line weight resulted in invisible line work.)

Alternatively, users of other GIS software can import the individual layers to create new projects or workspaces in their application of choice. Use of ArcExplorer is not recommended for current GIS users because it is much less versatile than programs such as MapInfo, ERDAS Imagine, ESRI ArcView or Arc/Info, and others.