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ArcExplorer Java Edition for Education (AEJEE) screen capture with map of Fairbanks, AK Image: MapTEACH

Frequently Asked Questions

Find your question in the list by pressing the "apple + f " keys (Macs) or the "control + f " keys (PCs) simultaneously, and then entering keywords to search this page. Some questions are infrequent. Submit a question, corrections, or additions to us via the MapTEACH FAQ email.

FAQ Topics

AEJEE: ArcExplorer Java Edition for Education - version 2

Internet and Data Download

Geospatial Tech & GIS Matters

Job Search and Career Paths

More Questions (including Privacy)

What about privacy and GIS-remote sensing data? What about protecting personal or cultural stories?

Is mindful and participatory problem-based learning, that requires working with technology and local experts to achieve community goals, some new idea that MapTEACH came up with?

_______________________________________

Questions with their Answers

AEJEE: ArcExplorer Java Edition for Education - version 2

Can I download GPS waypoint and track data to AEJEE?

Yes. Several steps are required -- and the good news is that each one is educational for students learning how to become proficient with geospatial IT.

Step 1: Connect the GPS unit to the computer with a compatible cable and, if necessary, a Serial-to-USB adapter.
Step 2: Use GPS download software that will transfer the data from your GPS unit to your computer.
Step 3: Use the GPS download software and/or a text editing program to import the data in a simple database format that AEJEE understands (e.g. as a CSV file).
Step 4: Use AEJEE to change the point data into a shapefile/map data layer.
What freeware have you used on Macs to transfer data from Garmin receivers to AEJEE?

More software is becoming available for this purpose. We have used GPS Connect for Mac OS X (note), which can be downloaded for free as shareware from http://www.chimoosoft.com/gpsconnect.html Most GPS companies do not provide Mac-compatible software; or not yet anyway. Let us know if you've found other software that works well -- and we'll add it.
Does AEJEE save layouts? When I open my AXL file in AEJEE, the layout seems to be missing!

Start up AEJEE and open to a blank map. BEFORE doing anything else, switch to layout view. Open your saved project (axl file) and the saved layout will appear.
Once I start to work on a layout in AEJEE, can I go back and add more data?

Yes, you can. Patience may be required as you switch between layout and map views and then wait while screens and workspaces are redrawn; depending on the speed of your computer, the number of layers, and size of files (especially raster images) in your project.

If you are not able to add new data layers after using layout, try downloading and installing the latest version (and build?) of AEJEE from ESRI.

Sometimes, processing can be sped up by saving the project, exiting AEJEE, and then re-opening the project.
How can I show people my AEJEE projects and maps if they don't have AEJEE?

A SCREEN CAPTURE is the easiest way to 'take a picture' of your work.

An Apple Macintosh will capture part of a screen if you press all four of the following keys at the same time: “apple button + control + shift + 4”. The cursor will turn into cross hairs, click and drag over area you want to capture and release the mouse button and it takes the picture.

A Windows PC will capture an entire window and copy it to the clipboard if you use the key combination Function-Alt-Print Screen. For more options, look up “screen capture/window capture in your Windows Help file”).

In either case, you can then paste the picture of your window including the map into an email, word processing document, slide show, or other image/photography software.
Do I have to store my data in the AEJEE/Data folder?

Yes, it is a very good idea to store your data here to make your life simpler. And no, you don't have to.

When AEJEE is installed on your computer, the AEJEE/Data folder is where the sample data set is stored, so we strongly encourage you to follow suit. To make the lives of MapTEACH students (and teachers!) simpler, we store our data in AEJEE/Data_MapTEACH.

Keeping track of the location of your data on your computer is critical to your success. Your work will proceed more efficiently and you can avoid the following problem.
What happens if I move my data layers or shape files while working on my project or after I save my project?

When you try to continue, your project will bonk, or refuse to open and give an error message that says, "Error with the project file at line 27 (or some other line number). The error happens because Arc Explorer does not know where to look for your file.

Or, to put this in 'computerese', the saved project file, also known as the "axl file", will have an incorrect absolute path in its xml code.
Can I fix my project file that won't open by editing the text in my .axl file?

Yes, often you can. Though it is easier than you might think, fixing the project file will require that you open the .axl file with a text editor, find the line(s) that need correcting and have the gumption to problem solve your way to success. Any experience with programming will help, including html, php, or other web-friendly code, along with an understanding of absolute paths/directory structures/hyperlinks and a bold approach to IT exploration.
Where did my raster image go? When I set the projection for my map, my raster layers disappeared!
The raster layer(s) might still reappear, if you are patient enough -- it could take several minutes. AEJEE may just need more time to recalculate the exact position for each pixel of the thousands that make up the image. And that is a lot of calculations.

OR sometimes, you might just as well take a long lunch break, or go home and come back tomorrow before the darn thing works. Or worst of all, it may be frozen up completely and you can't be sure whether to keep waiting or start over right now. Welcome to our world.
How are MapTEACH lessons set up to avoid 'disappearing' raster images?

In the lessons, the native projection for each raster image is often set to match the projection (coordinate system) selected for the map. When they match, there is no delay required to recalculate the location of each pixel in the image before the layer can be displayed.

When the images are small enough for AEJEE to reproject on-the-fly in reasonable time, we don't need to have the projections match.
Why does AEJEE take so long to redraw my map?

Many factors can affect how long AEJEE takes to redraw: a) the size of files (map layers) vs your computer's speed b) reprojection c) complex rendering of data -- solutions include pre processing raster images, and using native projections where possible. Note that a bug in AEJEE that defaults to WGS84 on reopen even when originally set to NAD83.
I added a raster layer to a vector layer but the two don't line up right. What should I do?

Try saving your AEJEE project, quitting/closing, and then reopening the same project. This has proved to be an effective work-around for this bug in the AEJEE program.
Can raster data be reprojected?

Yes, if the raster data file is small enough (less than 4 MB or so) and the change in projection is not too mathematically 'intense' for your computer. School desktop computers running AEJEE are often too slow to be effective at on-the-fly reprojection even though the software supports it. Both more computing power and more sophisticated GIS software are required to reproject raster images quickly when they are larger files.

This problem can be solved by delivering raster images from an ArcIMS server to AEJEE via an internet connection. In this case, your computer requests a raster from a powerful ArcIMS server somewhere out there in internet world. The server reprojects the raster image in seconds and then sends it back for display in your AEJEE project, sort of like map messaging instead of text messaging.

The weakness of this approach is that it requires a fast and dependable internet connection, and a map server that is not too busy processing simultaneous requests.
How do I add an ArcIMS layer?

In AEJEE, first select Catalog from the Tools menu, and then open "Add Internet Server".

The next window allows you to fill in a url for any ArcIMS map server in the world. As one example, you can choose the default Geography Network server at http://www.geographynetwork.com/. A long list of map services will appear. To explore the capabilities of ArcIMS services, add any map service that sounds interesting, try zooming into a place that interests you, and switch the layers on and off.

Local data layers from the hard drive of your computer, like GPS waypoints, tracks or other vector and raster data can be included on a map showing layers from remote servers.
How do I add an ArcSDE layer?

In AEJEE, first select Catalog from the Tools menu, and then open "Add Spatial Database Connection ". To make this connection, you must have information about how to connect to a particular server, including a user name and password.

Connect to the ArcSDE server used by MapTEACH to distribute Alaskan data by following along in our Add ArcSDE layer tutorial.
Can I email a saved project (axl) file to someone who has AEJEE so he or she can use it too?

You can send your finished project file as an email attachment to someone else to open in AEJEE if and only if two conditions are met.

1). All the remotely served data layers in your project are from working ArcSDE and/or ArcIMS servers.
2) All the local data layers (those stored on the computer's hard drive) are in exactly the same place, same absolute path -- using the exact same directory, folder and name on both computers. NOTE that AEJEE does NOT support relative paths (or links).

We have yet to find any clever workarounds to persuade the AEJEE software to support relative paths. Please let us know if you do, and nudge the ESRI folks gently if you see them.
Does AEJEE support ArcSDE rasters?

Nope. While AEJEE can display raster images stored on a local hard drive, i.e. local rasters, and it can display raster images delivered via an ArcIMS internet map service, it cannot display or support ArcSDE GIS data delivered over the internet.
Does AEJEE support WMS layers?

No, not the Education Edition of ArcExplorer (AEJEE). However, at least one other out-dated version of ArcExplorer free to teachers and students has supported WMS open source map services ( ArcExplorer 4.1). We're hoping that ESRI adds this functionality to AEJEE so schools with Macs can tap into WMS! -- hint, hint and please to ESRI.
What raster formats does AEJEE support?

TIF, JPG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, PNG, SID, SUN, and many more -- provided that they are in a set of required files sharing the same name and different extensions.

Each set will include a minimum of three files: an image file, a world file (e.g. TFW, JGW, and SDW respectively) and a projection file (PRJ). Other files are optional in the set. An AUX, RRD and metadata file (in various formats) may be present as well.
What is a shapefile?

A shapefile is what AEJEE reads when it adds a point, line or polygon data layer to a map project. These three types of data layers are also called vector data, and are distinct from raster or image data. A shapefile commonly refers to a set of files with the same name and different extensions. The mandatory set of files required for the data layer to work properly in AEJEE includes a .shp, .shx, .dbf file. and a .prj file. Wikipedia explains more about shapefiles.

The .prj file is required for AEJEE, but not for other ESRI GIS software, to read data layers. A .prj file may not be included when ESRI data is shared or downloaded. Making your own projection file (.prj) is necessary to read some data in AEJEE (see the FAQ below that describes how).

Optional files that may be in a shapefile set are many, and include .sbn, .sbx, .fbn, .fbx, .ain, .aih, shp.xml, and .atx.
How do I make a projection file for my raster?AEJEE cannot create project files, i.e. files with the extension .PRJ that are one of the set of files required to make a raster file that will work as an image data layer in AEJEE.

However, you can make a project file if you proceed with care. If you are certain that you know the correct, native projection for a raster image, and have a copy of the correct projection file, you can simply use a text editor to rename the file to match the name of the other files that make up the raster image.
What's a "World File" and how do I make one for a jpeg, png, or gif?

World files are listed as "TFW" for "TIF" images, "JGW" for "JPG" images, "SDW" for "SID" images, and so forth. The world file is designed the same in each case, and AEJEE can use these world files. AEJEE cannot create the world files for images. ArcGIS or ArcView 9.x or other suitable professional level ESRI GIS software is required to make these files.

Lesson 6 in the official set of lessons bundled as a pdf document with the AEJEE software download includes a section on "Geo-registering images with ArcView 9". [ArcExplorer™—Java™ Edition for Education Lessons pdf for AEJEE Version 2, www.esri.com/aejee ] See Wikipedia for more information on World File or http://wordsonline.org/World_file
ArcCatalog does not seem to recognize my World File for my jpeg. And when I define the projection in ArcCatalog, my jpeg doesn't work in AEJEE anymore. Why?

We don't know the answer to this one because it only happened to us once and it still needs to be tested. If you figure out the answer, please send it to us!
Can AEJEE make a line or polygon shapefile? -- sometimes known as polyline or area data layers?

No. AEJEE can read these two types of vector data shapefiles, but not make them. Other software can and does, including the more sophisticated versions of ESRI GIS software.
Can AEJEE make a point shapefile? -- add data points to a map project?

Yes. AEJEE can add a point data layer using a window titled "Add Event Theme". You can find this window in AEJEE's "View" menu. BUT before you can use "Add Event Theme" to import data and create a point shapefile, you must have the data stored in a simple text database that meets strict requirements. Instructions can be found in the AEJEE lessons that were bundled with the software as a pdf.
The CSV file I made with the TextEdit application on my Mac won't show up as a table in the Add Event Theme window. What's up with that?

The Add Event Theme window will recognize a CSV file as a table under three conditions: 1) the file is truly plain text, 2) the file is saved with a .csv extension, and 3) the fields and records in the table are written in comma-separated value (CSV) database form.

1) If you are using a Mac and the TextEdit application, TextEdit requires a quirky step to save a file as truly plain text (instead of the default rich text format). Use the Format menu to select "Make Plain Text". Otherwise
ArcExplorer Java Edition for Education (AEJEE), or ArcExplorer 9.1, or ArcExplorer Web, ArcExplorer 2.0, ArcExplorer 4.1... What is going on??

MapTEACH uses the latest AEJEE version of ArcExplorer because it works on Macs as well as PCs, can do a lot of good GIS analysis, and is a stepping stone for learning advanced GIS as used by geoscientists and many other professionals.

Other ArcExplorer versions have their own strengths and weaknesses. Each continues to either improve or be discontinued depending on their value, marketability and ESRI company priorities.

As of Jan 10, 2007, AEJEE has pulled ahead of AE 9.x in terms of functionality. Per one of the ESRI ArcExplorer Forum Discussion threads for that date --

Both AEJ 9.x and AEJEE 2.x are stand-alone products, built with different Java components, so sharing tools from one to the other is not viable. You will most likely find more functionality in the AEJEE version since the Education Edition of ArcExplorer-Java is under more active development than AEJ 9.x. (AEJEE started from AEJ but has since leap-frogged AEJ in functionality.) They now have separate development staff and, originally, a different audience (Hence the focused name for AEJEE). In reality, AEJEE need not only be used for education-related projects or institutions. You are encouraged to make use of ArcExplorer-Java Education Edition for public and private sector, alike.

VictoriaK, ESRI
What other free GIS software is available for teachers and students?

There are many other free GIS viewers and starter software applications to explore, if you are interested. More is available for PCs than Macs. For Macs, My World GIS is also a good one. AEJEE version 2 is new (and much improved over version 1) and was released after a February 2006 article titled, "Mac GIS software review, Part 1" published on Cartographica.com. The article compares four free programs.

Internet and Data Download

How can I connect to your ftp site faster? Why does it take so long to connect and download?!
Try a new ftp software application, especially one designed specifically to transfer files using ftp, i.e. not an internet browser. FTP software clients may connect to an FTP server like the MapTEACH server more than five times faster than an internet browser can.

The time it takes to connect and download data also depends on the speed of your local network, your internet provider, the number of internet nodes between you and the ftp server, the ftp server speed and the server's network and internet connection. The internet slows down whenever enough people use it and create enough traffic to reduce your bandwidth.
What is my internet bandwidth?

There are a lot of ways to test your bandwidth.

Geospatial Tech & GIS Matters

Why just some GIS matters? Why not a lot of GIS? And do you think you're funny?

First of all, there are more GIS, RS, GPS, and other varieties of geospatial IT resources and information out there than you can shake a stick at. And it doesn't make sense to try to recreate all that here.

We can answer a few key questions; questions that seem to be hard to find answers for. Furthermore, there is no way that we can even begin to answer all the questions you might have about it, what with all there is to know, and with people adding and expanding to what there is every day.

Well, maybe not funny to you, but we believe that being able to make fun of ourselves a bit is essential to real success in any high tech field, including GIS.
What is GIS?

"S" stands for a system of people, communities, problems, hardware, software, and processes. "I" is for information. "G" we argue over, and our contingent claims it should stand for geospatial. Most people say it stands for geographic, but what do they know really? Wikipedia weighs in and serves as a starting place for a whole lot more about GIS here.
Can you see my house?

Not only can we see your house but you can too; at least in most places throughout the United States. However, we cannot see what you're doing now, or the license plate on your car -- if you are worried about either of those.

Free, internet sites that you can use to look for your house can be accessed via the one-page guide here. [requires Adobe pdf Reader]

Job Search and Career Paths

How can I get a good job or internships? -- as a student who has been learning new skills in the geosciences and GIS?

Through good hunting and good fishing!
What do hunting and fishing have to do with finding a job in science or technology?

Successful hunting and fishing has a lot in common with 'hunting and fishing' for jobs. For one, both start with respected guides who are willing to take you along, and teach you the way to do things right.

Start by talking with by talking with people in your community who can guide you; teachers, relatives, friends, traditional elders, or experts working jobs you are interested in. Ask them to look at what you are doing, and ask them to show you what they do at work.
How can MapTEACH help me find a job or internship?

MapTEACH helps you develop relationships with people who can guide you to interesting work in two ways:

1. Through MapTEACH you learn some real-world skills and knowledge in GPS, GIS and the geosciences, and then put these to work in documenting the local landscape, community planning and whatever you and your teacher choose. You learn to use the some of the same data and tools that experts use.

2. At the end of MapTEACH lessons, we strongly encourage the teacher(s) to invite in members of the community who work in related positions so you can present your maps and reports to them. In Alaska, these community members may include traditional elders, family, local government employees, native corporation employees, natural resource managers, community planners, and business people.
Where can I find resources to find a job in the geosciences and geospatial tech?

Try starting with our Career Paths page.
What makes you think geospatial tech is such a hot area for jobs?

For one, the US Dept. of Labor. Read about the three hottest tech areas and geospatial tech in particular on their "Career Voyages" site.
How much money can I make?

Good money. Probably the best way to find out how much, for where you live and what you're interested in doing, is to type in the appropriate key words into one of the many job search engines, like those on our Career Paths resources page. Then see what salary is offered for each job. Here is a GIS keyword job search example.

Below are salaries according to Geography Jobs, Occupational Outlook Quarterly, Spring 2005, which is a publication of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

Employment and earnings.
The BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) classifies GIS analysts into a few different occupations. GIS analysts who focus on mapmaking are counted as cartographers. As stated previously, there were about 9,870 cartographers and photogrammetrists in May 2004. As a group, these workers had median annual earnings of $46,080.

GIS analysts who concentrate on solving problems with geography are classified as geographers. According to BLS, there were about 750 geographers in May 2004; they had median annual earnings of $58,970. The highest earning 10 percent made more than $86,270, and the lowest earning 10 percent made less than $35,410.

GIS analysts or developers who create new software or design databases are classified as computer applications software engineers or database administrators. In May 2004, there were 425,890 computer applications software engineers, with median annual earnings of $74,980. The highest earning 10 percent made more than $113,830. The lowest earning 10 percent made less than $46,520.
Answers for the following can be found on ESRI's FAQ page "Consider a Career in GIS"

What is a "GIS career"?

What do GIS professionals do?

Where do GIS professionals work?

What skills do successful GIS professionals possess?

How are GIS professionals educated?

Does certification exist for GIS professionals?

Is there an ethical code for GIS professionals?