Defining a shapefile's coordinate system by specifying a new geographic coordinate system
Steps:
- In ArcCatalog, click the shapefile whose coordinate system you want to define.
- Click the File menu and click Properties.
- Click the XY Coordinate System tab.
- Click New and click Geographic.
- Type a name for the new geographic coordinate system.
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Type the appropriate semimajor and semiminor or inverse flattening values and type a name for your custom spheroid and datum.
Alternatively, click the Datum or Spheroid drop-down arrow and click a predefined datum or spheroid.
Note:When creating a custom coordinate system, if you choose an object, such as a datum or spheroid, from one of the drop-down lists, those parameter values will be read-only. To modify them, click the drop-down arrow again and click <custom>. Change the default values appropriately and type a name for your custom set of parameters. -
Type the appropriate radians per unit and type a name for your custom units.
Alternatively, click the Angular Unit drop-down arrow and click a predefined unit of measure.
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Type the appropriate degrees, minutes, and seconds defining the prime meridian and type a name for this line of longitude.
Alternatively, click the Prime Meridian drop-down arrow and click a predefined line of longitude.
- Click OK.
- Click OK on the Shapefile Properties dialog box.
Related Topics
2/11/2011