IMS Help Document

HELP DOCUMENT

Introduction

Things to Keep in Mind

Glossary of Terms

Buttons (Most Common)

Contact Information

Download the entire Help Document (54KB) [PDF]

1. Introduction

This document was created to help people use the Internet Mapping Server (IMS) created by the Boone County Planning Commission using ArcIMS from ESRI. Please visit ESRI's website if you would like further information concerning the ArcIMS software.

This Internet Mapping Server (IMS) utilizes the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data maintained by the Boone County GIS and gives people an opportunity to explore Boone County (streets, buildings, parcels, zoning, etc.) right from their own homes.

2. Things to Keep in Mind

IMS may run slow on computers with a 56K Modem or Dial-up connection to the internet, please be patient while maps are being retrieved.

The ArcIMS is best viewed when the web browser is maximized.

Be sure to always click the "Refresh Map" button under the Layer list.

Be sure the correct layer is active if you want to Identify a feature found in that layer. (For example, you can not identify a building if the streets layer is the active layer.)

You can turn the Overview Map on and off by clicking the % button. This button is useful if the Overview Map covers up the map.

There is a difference between the Legend and Layer list (See below).

You can turn a layer on and off and change whether it is the active layer as long as the Layer list is visible and not the Legend. (If the Legend is shown, simply click the % button to switch between the Layer list and Legend.)

The Interactive Mapping Service opens in a different window because it is independent of any webpage you may have visited. In order to go back to the webpage you came from, simply click the "Close" button (x in the upper right-hand corner) or the "Minimize" button (- in the upper right-hand corner) to see the webpage.

Once you zoom in, several layers will display automatically. You will have the option to turn them on and off.

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3. Glossary of Terms

Active Layer - A layer that can be identified, searched or can be zoomed to.

Features - Points, Lines, and polygons used to make up a layer.

Geocoding - The mechanism that allows you to use addresses to identify locations on a map.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - An organized collection of computer hardware, software, Geographic data, and personnel designed to efficiently capture, store, update, manipulate, analyze, and display all forms of geographically referenced information.

Internet Map Server (IMS) - Name given to ESRI's software to allow agencies to provide their GIS data to the public. (Also referred to as an Interactive Mapping Service)

Legend - Shows the different layers according to their pre-defined symbology.

Layer list - Shows the different layers and gives you the opportunity to turn layers on and off and change which layer is the active layer.

Layers - The shapefiles and Aerial Photos (SID Files) used in an Internet Mapping Service.

Map View - The canvas or frame used to display the geographic data as a map showing the different layers.

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4. Buttons (Most Common)

This button can be used to toggle between the Legend and the Layer list.

>

This button can be used to toggle the Overview Map on and off.

This button is used to ?Zoom In? on the map. You simply click on the map or draw a red box to zoom in.

This button is used to ?Zoom Out? on the map. You simply click on the map or draw a red box to zoom out.

This button is used to ?Zoom to the Full Extent? of the map. You simply click this button to zoom out to the entire county.

This button is used to ?Zoom to the Active Layer? on the map. You simply click this button to zoom to the active layer.

This button is used to ?Zoom to the Last Extent? or previous map view. You simply click this button to go back to the previous extent or map view.

This button is used to ?Pan? the map. You simply click and hold the button on the map and move your cursor in the opposite direction you want to move the map.

This button is used to ?Identify? features of the active layer. Once you choose your active layer, you simply click on the feature you want to see additional information.

This button is used to find a "word" or a "string of words" associated with a particular layer. The results of your find will appear below the Map View. You can either zoom to one record or you can zoom to all records. Keep in mind that this function is case-sensitive.

This button is used to measure distance within the Map View. Click on the map where you want to start your measurement, and then move your cursor to where you want to end your measurement (You do not have to click on the map to get a measurement). In order to stop measuring, double-click the map and your final point will be drawn.

This button is used to clear both measuring lines and location points from the map.

This button is used to Locate Addresses found in Boone County. If you click the button, a form will appear below the Map View. You can enter the Street Number (e.g. 2950), Street Name (e.g. WASHINGTON), and Street Type (e.g. DR, LN, RD, PK, etc.), then click the "Locate" button. This function is case sensitive, so be sure the name and type is UPPER CASE.

This button will allow you to print what is in the Map View along with the Overview Map and the Legend using your web browser print options. Simply click the button and enter a Map Title, then click the "Create Print Page" and a print preview will be displayed. If you are satisfied with the preview, go to the File menu then to Print or simply click the print button at the top of your web browser.

This button is used to select features within the Active Layer. You can simply click on a feature (e.g. parcel of building) or you can draw a "Red Selection Box" to select more than one feature. The results from your selection will appear below the Map View. You can click the number under the "Rec" field to zoom to that particular record or you can click the "Zoom to these records" link and zoom to all of the selected features. If you selected more records than are displayed, click the "More Records" link and you will see more of the selected features.

This button is used to select features of the Active Layer by drawing a LINE or POLYGON. You can select features in a row by drawing a line or you can select features that make up a particular area by drawing a polygon. Once you are done drawing the line or polygon that you want, you can complete your selection by pressing the button that will complete your line or your polygon. You can click the number under the "Rec" field to zoom to that particular record or you can click the "Zoom to these records" link and zoom to all of the selected features. If you selected more records than are displayed, click the "More Records" link and you will see more of the selected features.

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5. Contact Information

For additional assistance or information, please contact the GIS Services Division at the Boone County Planning Commission:
Phone: 859.334.2196
Email: bcgis@boonecountyky.org

HELP DOCUMENT

Introduction
Things to Keep in Mind
Glossary of Terms
Buttons (Most Common)
Contact Information

Download the entire Help Document (54KB) [PDF]

1. Introduction
This document was created to help people use the Internet Mapping Server (IMS) created by the Boone County Planning Commission using ArcIMS from ESRI. Please visit ESRI's website if you would like further information concerning the ArcIMS software.
This Internet Mapping Server (IMS) utilizes the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data maintained by the Boone County GIS and gives people an opportunity to explore Boone County (streets, buildings, parcels, zoning, etc.) right from their own homes.

2. Things to Keep in Mind
IMS may run slow on computers with a 56K Modem or Dial-up connection to the internet, please be patient while maps are being retrieved.
The ArcIMS is best viewed when the web browser is maximized.
Be sure to always click the "Refresh Map" button under the Layer list.
Be sure the correct layer is active if you want to Identify a feature found in that layer. (For example, you can not identify a building if the streets layer is the active layer.)
You can turn the Overview Map on and off by clicking the % button. This button is useful if the Overview Map covers up the map.
There is a difference between the Legend and Layer list (See below).
You can turn a layer on and off and change whether it is the active layer as long as the Layer list is visible and not the Legend. (If the Legend is shown, simply click the % button to switch between the Layer list and Legend.)
The Interactive Mapping Service opens in a different window because it is independent of any webpage you may have visited. In order to go back to the webpage you came from, simply click the "Close" button (x in the upper right-hand corner) or the "Minimize" button (- in the upper right-hand corner) to see the webpage.
Once you zoom in, several layers will display automatically. You will have the option to turn them on and off.
top of page

3. Glossary of Terms
Active Layer - A layer that can be identified, searched or can be zoomed to.
Features - Points, Lines, and polygons used to make up a layer.
Geocoding - The mechanism that allows you to use addresses to identify locations on a map.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - An organized collection of computer hardware, software, Geographic data, and personnel designed to efficiently capture, store, update, manipulate, analyze, and display all forms of geographically referenced information.
Internet Map Server (IMS) - Name given to ESRI's software to allow agencies to provide their GIS data to the public. (Also referred to as an Interactive Mapping Service)
Legend - Shows the different layers according to their pre-defined symbology.
Layer list - Shows the different layers and gives you the opportunity to turn layers on and off and change which layer is the active layer.
Layers - The shapefiles and Aerial Photos (SID Files) used in an Internet Mapping Service.
Map View - The canvas or frame used to display the geographic data as a map showing the different layers.
top of page

4. Buttons (Most Common)
	This button can be used to toggle between the Legend and the Layer list.
>	This button can be used to toggle the Overview Map on and off.
	This button is used to ?Zoom In? on the map. You simply click on the map or draw a red box to zoom in.
	This button is used to ?Zoom Out? on the map. You simply click on the map or draw a red box to zoom out.
	This button is used to ?Zoom to the Full Extent? of the map. You simply click this button to zoom out to the entire county.
	This button is used to ?Zoom to the Active Layer? on the map. You simply click this button to zoom to the active layer.
	This button is used to ?Zoom to the Last Extent? or previous map view. You simply click this button to go back to the previous extent or map view.
	This button is used to ?Pan? the map. You simply click and hold the button on the map and move your cursor in the opposite direction you want to move the map.
	This button is used to ?Identify? features of the active layer. Once you choose your active layer, you simply click on the feature you want to see additional information.
	This button is used to find a "word" or a "string of words" associated with a particular layer. The results of your find will appear below the Map View. You can either zoom to one record or you can zoom to all records. Keep in mind that this function is case-sensitive.
	This button is used to measure distance within the Map View. Click on the map where you want to start your measurement, and then move your cursor to where you want to end your measurement (You do not have to click on the map to get a measurement). In order to stop measuring, double-click the map and your final point will be drawn.
	This button is used to clear both measuring lines and location points from the map.
	This button is used to Locate Addresses found in Boone County. If you click the button, a form will appear below the Map View. You can enter the Street Number (e.g. 2950), Street Name (e.g. WASHINGTON), and Street Type (e.g. DR, LN, RD, PK, etc.), then click the "Locate" button. This function is case sensitive, so be sure the name and type is UPPER CASE.
	This button will allow you to print what is in the Map View along with the Overview Map and the Legend using your web browser print options. Simply click the button and enter a Map Title, then click the "Create Print Page" and a print preview will be displayed. If you are satisfied with the preview, go to the File menu then to Print or simply click the print button at the top of your web browser.
	This button is used to select features within the Active Layer. You can simply click on a feature (e.g. parcel of building) or you can draw a "Red Selection Box" to select more than one feature. The results from your selection will appear below the Map View. You can click the number under the "Rec" field to zoom to that particular record or you can click the "Zoom to these records" link and zoom to all of the selected features. If you selected more records than are displayed, click the "More Records" link and you will see more of the selected features.
	This button is used to select features of the Active Layer by drawing a LINE or POLYGON. You can select features in a row by drawing a line or you can select features that make up a particular area by drawing a polygon. Once you are done drawing the line or polygon that you want, you can complete your selection by pressing the button that will complete your line or your polygon. You can click the number under the "Rec" field to zoom to that particular record or you can click the "Zoom to these records" link and zoom to all of the selected features. If you selected more records than are displayed, click the "More Records" link and you will see more of the selected features.
top of page

5. Contact Information
For additional assistance or information, please contact the GIS Services Division at the Boone County Planning Commission: Phone: 859.334.2196 Email: bcgis@boonecountyky.org