How to Download
and Import Clearinghouse Datasets
Datasets available for download through the this clearinghouse
can be located by three different methods: the
browse list (organized
alphabetically, by theme, by scale and by source), the data atlas (organized
by a state index map), and by a keyword
search function,
which returns a list of metadata files (dataset documentation) containing links for downloading.
Currently, WyGISC spatial data is available in two formats: export format (also known
as interchange format), and shapefile format. Some raster and image data is also available
in USGS DEM format, as well as JPG, TIFF or MrSID image formats.
This data can be used with the following GIS products produced by ESRI.
Because some statewide datasets may be extremely large and
slow to process, they
are also provided in smaller-areas tiles, either by
counties (23 in Wyoming) or by 30 by 1:100,000-scale quadrangles
(56 in Wyoming).
Most of datasets are in latitude/longitude (decimal degrees), North
American Datum 1983, unless otherwise noted. Check the Spatial Reference
Information section of the dataset's
metadata document
to find out its projection and datum information.
Steps for Downloading the Data
To download the file, you might have to press the shift key as you click on the file name,
otherwise your browser may attempt to view the data. You can also right-click on the filename to
download it. The metadata document can
be downloaded separate from the data, however in most cases it is included in the zip file. Metadata files have the extension *.met and are plain text files that can be viewed in any text editor or word processor.
The data files are stored as zipped (compressed). Most Windows software comes with WinZip software and when
you double-click on a zip file you will automatically activate WinZip. If you don't have WinZip, you can
download Pkzip at http://www.pkware.com/download.html.
ArcGIS 9.0/8.x: Steps for Importing Data
Shapefiles: once unzipped, shapefiles can be brought directly into
ArcMap (Add Data option). A shapefile actually consists of three files,
with *.shp, *.shx and *.dbf extension. Additional Dbase tables (*.dbf) can be brought into ArcMap using the Add Data option, as well. Associated .dbf tables usually contain descriptions of attribute codes.
More information about the dataset's attributes
can be found in the Entity/Attribute section of the dataset's
metadata document.
Not all shapefiles on our clearinghouse have defined projections (.prj files). If no .prj file exists, ArcGIS
will assume that the data is in geographic (lat/long) coordinates in NAD27 projection. Please check the metadata
document for the actual projection and datum. With only a few exceptions, all the data on our clearinghouse is in NAD83 datum. You
can define the projection (e.g., create a .prj file) for a shapefile in ArcCatalog, under the shapefile's properties:
- Before defining the projection in ArcCatalog, make sure the shapefile is not already in ArcMap. ArcCatalog
will not let you make changes to the data if it's being used by ArcMap.
- In the ArcCatalog tree, right-click on the shapefile and select "Properties" from the context menu.
- Select the Fields tab.
- Click on the Shape field. This will display the properties of the Shape field.
- Spatial Reference is one of the field properties. To change the spatial reference, click on
the browse button (three dots).
- In the next form that appears, click on the Select... button.
- Select the "Geographic coordinate systems" folder
- Select "North America" folder
- Select the projection file for NAD83.
- Click OK to close the the Spatial Reference form.
- Click OK again to close the Field properties form.
Export (.e00) files How to get to the "Import from Interchange file" command in ArcGIS 9.0
- In ArcCatalog, click on the View menu > Tools
- Turn on the ArcView 8.x Tools toolbar
- Select "Import from Interchange File" from the Conversion tools menu
How to get to the "Import from Interchange file" command in ArcGIS 8.x
- Open the Conversion Tools folder in ArcToolbox
- Open the "Import to Coverage" folder (or if you are importing a raster grid, choose "Import to Raster")
- Double-click on "Import from Interchange File"
- When the Import from Interchange file command is open:
- Type in or browse to the location of the interchange file (it will have an .e00 extension)
- Type the name you want to give the imported coverage or grid (output file)
- Click Ok. After the import is complete, the coverage or grid can be added to ArcMap using the Add Data option.
- Additional INFO tables may be imported along with the coverage. These can also be added to ArcMap using the Add Data option and viewed
by right-clicking and choosing the "Open Table" option. Associated INFO tables usually contain descriptions of attribute codes.
More information about the dataset's attributes
can be found in the Entity/Attribute section of the dataset's
metadata document.
ArcView 3.x: Steps for Importing Data
- Shapefiles: once unzipped, shapefiles can be brought directly into
ArcView by adding a theme. (Note: a shapefile actually consists of three files,
with *.shp, *.shx and *.dbf extension).
Additional Dbase tables (*.dbf) can be brought into ArcView by
adding a table.
- Export files: once unzipped, the export file (identified by an .e00
extension) can be imported with the ArcView system executable Import71.
Associated files in INFO format can be brought into ArcView by "adding a table"
from the Project Manager.
You will need to change the file type from the default, .dbf, to INFO, and then
change directories to the info directory.
Associated .dbf or INFO tables usually contain descriptions of attribute codes.
More information about the dataset's attributes
can be found in the Entity/Attribute section of the dataset's
metadata document.
In some cases, a coverage may have both polygon and line topology. In these
cases, the dataset must be added as a theme twice, once as a arc (line) theme
and once as a polygon theme. In the Add Theme
dialog box, click once on the folder representing the data you want to add.
By clicking on it once, it will display which features are available to add:
polygon, arc or labelpoint. Then double click on which feature you would like
to add.
ArcInfo Workstation 7.x or 8.x: Steps for Importing Data
Export files: once unzipped, the export file (identified by an .e00 extension) can be imported to Arc/Info coverages by the Arc/Info
import command:
For vector coverages: import cover
For raster grids:
import grid
Typically, after importing the file into ArcInfo or ArcView, the actual coverage or grid will be smaller in size than the export file.
Any associated INFO files will also automatically
be imported into the same directory as the coverage.
Associated INFO tables usually contain descriptions of attribute codes.
More information about the dataset's attributes
can be found in the Entity/Attribute section of the dataset's
metadata document.
Shapefiles: Shapefiles can be converted to ArcInfo format by the
arcshape command. (Note: a shapefile actually consists of three files,
with a *.shp, *.shx, and *.dbf extension).
Additional tables in dBase (.dbf)
format must be converted to INFO before they can be used in workstation ArcInfo. Use the
dbaseinfo command to convert the format.
ArcExplorer 2.x: Steps for Importing Data
Shapefiles: once unzipped, shapefiles can be brought directly into
ArcExplorer with the Add Data option.
Coverages: coverages can be viewed in ArcExplorer (Add Data option). However ArcExplorer cannot
import interchange/export files.
ArcExplorer 2.x is free software that works with Windows 98/2000/NT/XP. ArcExplorer 4.01 is available for Windows, Solaris, AIX, HP-UX, Linux, Mac OS X, SGI IRIX. To download,
go to ESRI's website at www.esri.com. Go to their Software page.
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