Digitizing in ArcGIS Pro
This project involved digitizing various land features within May Township using ArcGIS Pro. The purpose was to map new subdivisions, update landcover for an old farmstead, and record the locations of roads, ponds, and buildings visible on aerial imagery.
The assignment began by creating a file geodatabase in ArcGIS Pro to store new feature classes. Aerial imagery of May Township was added as a basemap for reference. Separate feature classes were then created for subdivisions, landcover areas, buildings, roads, and ponds, with each assigned an appropriate geometry type: polygons for areas, points for buildings, and lines for roads.
The digitizing process was completed using the Create Features tool in ArcGIS Pro. Features were carefully traced directly from the imagery, following property boundaries, road edges, and natural features. Snapping tools were used to maintain precision where features connected, while vertex editing tools helped refine shapes as needed.
Once all features were digitized, appropriate symbology was applied to each layer. Transparent fills allowed the aerial imagery to remain visible beneath the digitized areas, and distinct colors and symbols were used to differentiate roads, buildings, ponds, and landcover types. Essential map elements such as a title, north arrow, scale bar, and author information were added to finalize each layout.
Two final map products were created. The first displayed newly digitized subdivisions and updated landcover boundaries for a farmstead, layered over the aerial imagery. The second provided a broader view of May Township, showing the distribution of roads, ponds, and buildings throughout the area. Both maps were designed with clear labeling and simple, effective symbology for easy interpretation.
This project provided valuable experience with core digitizing tools and workflows in ArcGIS Pro. It emphasized the importance of data organization within a geodatabase, careful feature tracing, and thoughtful map design. Digitizing remains a fundamental skill in GIS, supporting land use planning, environmental management, and spatial analysis projects.
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