ArcGIS has the tools you need for linear referencing applications. The easiest way to start learning about linear referencing is to complete the exercises in this tutorial. Before you start, however, it is assumed you know the fundamentals of ArcGIS software. For more information, see A quick tour of geoprocessing, A quick tour of ArcCatalog, and A quick tour of editing.
For this tutorial, imagine that you work in the GIS department of a highway authority, responsible for the maintenance and safety of your region’s highways. In the exercises to follow, you will perform some of the linear referencing tasks typical to such a person. Specifically, you will use the linear referencing geoprocessing tools to create and recalibrate route data. Next, you will learn how to display and query your newly created route data, then your route event data, in ArcMap. Lastly, you will learn how to edit your route data in ArcMap.
This tutorial includes five exercises, each of which takes 5 to 30 minutes to complete. The exercises build on one another, so it is assumed that you will complete them in order.
The study area for this tutorial is Pitt County, North Carolina. The data was compiled from various sources and has been modified to suit the needs of the exercises. The reliability and suitability of the information, therefore, cannot be guaranteed.