Using the video clips for Mastering ArcGIS

Installing the clips

The videos can be downloaded from the Mastering ArcGIS instructor site www.mhhe.com/price7e. Each chapter is downloaded separately, and the four Skills Reference sections are also separate downloads. The Chapter 1 download, MGISVideoChap1.zip, contains the required folder structure and instructions for use. This file you are reading is UsingTheVideos.htm. A VideoIndex.htm document provides hyperlinks to each video for easy access. The links in this VideoIndex file will only work if the videos are installed in the correct location using the process described below.

The videos are saved in .mp4 format. To use them you must have a compatible video player that can read .mp4 files. Windows Media Player, Internet Explorer, and Firefox can all play the videos provided that your installations are up to date.

Summary of steps:

1. Download the MGISVideoChap1.zip file and save it wherever you like.

2. Unzip the MGISVideoChap1.zip archive. It will create a folder called MGISVideoFolder. You can delete the archive .zip file after it is successfully unzipped, to save space.

3. Download the next chapter video archive, MGISVideoChap2.zip, and save it in the clips folder inside the MGISVideoFolder (created by unzipping the first download, see Figure 1).

4. Unzip the MGISVideoChap2.zip archive in place so that it is saved as a subfolder under clips, named chap2. You can delete the archive .zip file after it is successfully unzipped, to save space.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the remaining chapters and the four skill reference sections. When you have installed all of the videos, the clips folder should look as shown in Figure 2. You only need download the chapters or skill sections that you are actually planning to use; the others can be installed at a later date.

Figure 1. The folder structure and files created by the MGISVideoChap1.zip download after unzipping. Initially, the clips folder will contain one subfolder with the Chapter 1 videos only.

For this document to work correctly, subsequent downloads of the chapter videos MUST be placed within the clips folder. To do this, save the downloaded zip file for chapter x in the clips folder and then unzip them to the same folder.

Figure 2. The clips folder should look like this when all of the videos have been downloaded:

Suggested ways to use the clips

The videos distributed with this book are of two types. The Tutorial Videos demonstrate each step of the tutorial. They are numbered in the text for easy reference. The Skills Reference Videos show how to perform generic tasks, such as deleting a file or changing symbols on a map.

The videos are intended as a supplement and as an alternate learning strategy. It would be tedious to watch all of them. Instead, try using them in the following situations:

Ø When you don’t completely understand the written instructions.

Ø If you have trouble finding the correct menu or button.

Ø When a step doesn’t seem to work properly.

Ø When a reminder is needed to do a previously learned skill in order to complete a step.

Ø Whenever you find that watching the videos enhances learning.

The MGISVideosFolder folder contains an index file named VideoIndex.htm, with hyperlinks to each clip. Open this file when you want to work with the videos. As you work through a chapter, keep the index on the screen, and click the appropriate link to see a video. The tutorial clips are distinguished by numbered steps, the Skills Reference Videos by their headings.

Using the video clips

Ø Open the VideoIndex.htm file (Figure 3) in the MGISVideoFolder (Figure 1).

Ø If needed, size the document window to a narrow strip on the left side of the screen, so that you can see all the numbers and titles clearly. Put your ArcMap window on the right, so you can see it also.

Ø In the Chapter 1 Tutorial section, click on the number of the tutorial video that you want to see. If a setup screen appears, simply accept all the defaults and proceed as directed.

Ø Your browser or Windows Media Player will start playing the clip (or another program may, depending on your setup).

Ø Size the play window as large as possible for best resolution.

Ø When the video finishes, click the Minimize button in the upper right corner of the Media Player window, to get it out of the way.

Ø The Skills Reference section is organized by topic. Examine the outline in the video index to get familiar with the organization, which will help you look up topics when you need them. You can also search for a topic in the Video Index.

Ø Before starting the tutorial, make sure that you have installed the mgisdata folder from the web site to the computer hard drive. See the web site for detailed instructions.

Figure 3. Part of the VideoIndex.htm file, showing the hyperlinks to the Skills Reference and Chapter 1 tutorial videos.