Procedure Library for Digitizing Lines for Raster Analysis

The purpose of this procedure library is to show how to hand digitize lines for use with raster analysis of two line feature themes. This is useful for determining how closely two datasets match. Hand Digitizing is often needed when using a raster image, or if you want to avoid breaking polygons.

Prepared by Andy Freed (freed@cc.wwu.edu) on March 4, 2001.

Required: ArcView GIS,

Procedure:

Creating a new theme:

1. Open ArcView GIS and load the shape files you are going to digitize.

2. Create a new theme by selecting View>New Theme and choose “line” for the theme type.

Digitizing a line:

1. Select the line tool and click on the starting point, click on any locations you want a node, and double click when you have finished.

2. Continue this process until you have all the lines you want.

3. Select Theme>Stop Editing and save the changes when you are done

Technique:

Digitizing lines should match the parent data with the best accuracy possible. You will want to zoom in closely to get an accurate match.

Make sure you are digitizing on the correct theme if you are working with multiple themes.

For more information, see the Getting to Know ArcView GIS manual.