Instructions for making top plans in ArcGIS

This quick start overview contains basic steps to creating top plans in ArcGIS. Below these are broken out into detailed steps.

1. Import the points to be shown on the top plan as a text file from the survey equipment and, in Arc Catalog, create a new feature from the XY table which gives you a shape file.
2. In Arc Map, add the points from the shape file and pictures
3. Geo-Reference the photos and sketch in the polygons.
4. Add previously created features and polygons
5. Decorate the top plan and export it to image file/pdf.

For step 1 see ExportPointsFromTopSurv.

Importing Points

1. Edit the exported text file to ensure that the header row contains only single words [a-zA-Z0-9] in a comma separated list (e.g. ID,Lat,Long,Elev,Description)

2. In ArcCatelog find the text file that was exported from the Total Station.

3. Right Click and select: Create Feature Class, From XY Table...
4. Select appropriate values for X, Y, Z and specify the output shapefile. This should be the folder for that square and day.

Sketching the New Polygons

In ArcCatalog

1. Right click on the folder for the day and square and create a new shapefile of type polygon.

In ArcMap

1. Add the two shape files created by clicking the + symbol and selecting the shape file.
2. Add layer for the square (ex. T31).
3. Select the points needed out of the layer from step 2.
4. Create a layer based on the selection in step 3.
5. Remove the layer that was added in step 2.
6. Add the picture.

Geo-Reference the Photos and Draw the Polygons

1. Geo-reference the picture.
   1. Geo-reference, Fit to Display
   2. Choose points on the picture, and map them to control points (added in step 1).
   3. When you are done click Geo-reference and select rectify.
   4. This will save the file as a geo-referenced image. We save it because if we need to re-create the top plan, we don't want to have to re-reference the photos.
   5. Either remove the image and add the geo-referenced image or sketch from the current one.
2. Use the "Editor" dropdown tool to start editing the Polygon shape file.
3. Use the pencil tool to create the new polygon using the picture (double click to finish the polygon).
4. Check to make sure that all elevation points are included in the square.
5. Remove all the pictures so that only the features are showing.

Add Previously Created Material

From previous days add existing layers needed in this top plan.

Prepare the Top plan for Printing

1. Rotate the data frame appropriately (225 degrees on total station for 2009 excavation).
2. View, Layout.
3. View, Data Frame Properties
   1. General Tab
   2. Change Map and Display Units to “Meters.”
4. Arrange the Page/picture as desired
   1. Make sure points are labeled
   2. Make sure there is a title and data that includes the square information.
   3. Add a Scale to the page
   4. Double check that Loci are sketched on the top plan

   5. Add or update the legend and check it against the Official Top Plan Legend which shows the types and styles of elements needed.