Using ArcGIS Desktop

To assign the coordinate system for a dataset in ArcCatalog, right-click the

dataset in the Catalog tree and click Properties.

On the Properties dialog box, select

the XY Coordinate System tab to
display the options for assigning a
coordinate system to the dataset.

The Select option lets you choose a

predened coordinate systemeither
projected or geographic.

The New option lets you

enter parameters to create a
custom projected or geographic

coordinate system.

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The Import option lets you assign the coordinate

system by using the coordinate system of an
existing dataset.

3 Data Compilation and Editing

Dening a coordinate system does not change the coordinates of the datait merely makes the coordinate system
known to ArcGIS. If you need to change a datasets coordinate system to a different onefor example, to be consistent

with the rest of your geodatabaseuse the Project tool. This may be the case if you receive data from another agency
or other source that doesnt use the same coordinate system youre using for your geodatabase. Feature classes stored
in a geodatabase feature dataset must have the same map projection as the feature dataset (see Ensuring spatial data
integrity in Chapter 2).

The Project tool lets you convert a dataset from one coordinate system to

another (the coordinate system for the dataset youre converting must already
be dened). The options for assigning the coordinate system to convert to are
the same as when dening a coordinate systemselect from a predened
one, import one from an existing dataset, or dene a custom one. You can

also modify the existing one, or select or import one and then modify it. When
projecting a dataset, a new dataset is created in the new coordinate system.

The Projections and Transformations toolset contains additional tools for dening, projecting, and spatially adjusting

rasters.

The Raster toolset under

Projections and Transformations

(in the Data Management toolbox)

contains tools for projecting and
adjusting raster datasets.

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