GIS Resource Document 02-15 (GIS_RD_02-15) October, 2002

Introduction to ArcGIS ArcToolbox

Steve Graham

Basics

ArcGIS is a GIS software suite of integrated applications composed of: ArcMap, ArcCatalog,
and ArcToolbox developed by Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI)
http://www.esri.com/. ArcToolbox gives access to advanced geoprocessing tools, data
conversion tools, and much of the ArcInfo functions. Many of these functions are similar to
those available in ArcMap, extended to coverages.

Using ArcToolbox

ArcToolbox can be started from a shortcut on the desktop, or in the program menu, or from
ArcCatalog using the Launch ArcToolbox button. The various functions are arranged in an
expanding tree structure that displays information about the currently selected task at the bottom
of the window.

Double-clicking a task will open a new window in which the specific settings for the task, as
well as the input and output are specified. In order to convert a shapefile to a coverage: click the
+ next to Conversion Tools to expand it and double click on Shapefile to Coverage. A window
will open in which the input shapefile and output coverage name and class are to be specified.

Batch Mode

If a task is to be repeated more than once the batch button can be clicked and a file conversion
can be entered on each line (the batch feature is available for all tasks).
The list of batch tasks for the files can be saved as an AML that can then be reloaded if the
process needs to be repeated.

My Tools

Frequently used tools can be added to the My Tools toolset for ease of use, which can be further
customized to include your own toolsets. Right click on My Tools to add a custom toolset. Right
click on a tool to send it to a custom toolset.

Finally completely new tools can be created and added. Both EXE files and DLL classes are
possible new tool types.

Penn State Resources

ArcToolbox as part of ArcGIS is installed on all GIA Core PCs and on the PCs in the Computer
Lab in 806 Oswald. The complete ArcInfo version of ArcToolbox is installed in SSRI, other
locations on campus may have either the complete or the standard ArcToolbox installed.

Documentation is available in the GIA Core Library, 8th floor of Oswald for ArcGIS. The “Using
ArcToolbox” manual is a good starting point for this software.