There are a couple possible
explanations for this message. First make sure that you have copied ALL the files and
folders from the CDs you received into the proper structure.
Example:
C:\Viewer\ArcGIS8\
C:\Viewer\ArcGIS8\Lyr_Files
C:\Viewer\gisdata\
C:\Viewer\gisdata\Images\
C:\Viewer\gisdata\Images\coq2001halfmsidm (half-meter color mosaic orthophotos)
C:\Viewer\gisdata\Images\coqhsid (half-meter color orthophotos)
C:\Viewer\gisdata\Images\coqhd1sid (one-meter color orthophotos)
C:\Viewer\gisdata\Images\halfmsid (half-meter black and white orthophotos)
C:\Viewer\gisdata\Images\oq1sid (one-meter black and white orthophotos)
C:\Viewer\gisdata\Images\quadsid (USGS topgraphic images MrSID)
C:\Viewer\gisdata\Images\usgs (USGS topographic TIFF)
C:\Viewer\gisdata\men1\
C:\Viewer\gisdata\men1\Cape_Cod
C:\Viewer\gisdata\men1\Census_2000
C:\Viewer\gisdata\men1\Coastal_and_Marine_Features
C:\Viewer\gisdata\men1\Conservation_Recreation
C:\Viewer\gisdata\men1\Cultural_Resources
C:\Viewer\gisdata\men1\Environmental_Monitroing
C:\Viewer\gisdata\men1\Images
C:\Viewer\gisdata\men1\Index
C:\Viewer\gisdata\men1\Infrastructure
C:\Viewer\gisdata\men1\Physical_Resources
C:\Viewer\gisdata\men1\Political_Boundaries
C:\Viewer\gisdata\men1\Regulated_Areas
The other explanation is if there is no data for that theme in your area. An example is if you try to load
data from Cape Cod when your Viewer is for Berkshire County.
Q: When
the Viewer starts up, I receive an error message saying: "Table not found". What does this mean?
A: This
means that the program cannot find one of the 3 required tables. The themeinv.dbf, zoominv.dbf and themeinv2.dbf need
to be in the ArcGIS8 folder in order for the ArcgIS 8.x Data Viewer to properly function. The themeinv.dbf contains
the information for loading MassGIS data. THe zoominv.dbf table contains all the possible coordinate extents for use
within the Viewer. The newset table in Version 2 of the Data Viewer is the themeinv2.dbf table. This table is empty
except for the field names and is used for storing the information about your own lyr files that you can add to the Viewer.
If any of these tables are not in the ArcGIS8 folder, you will need to go back to the original CDs and copy them in, or
downloada new copy of all the necessary files.
Q: I used the Data Viewer
button to add a group layer,and the layers are checked on, but why is nothing drawing?
A: Group layers load multiple layers
for one theme. By default the individual layers are checked on within a group layer. However the main heading at the top of the
group layer is not checked on. This main heading must be checked on in order to activate the individual layers within the group.
Q: It
seems that there is some data missing. Is something wrong?
A: It
is possible that the error message you are getting is valid because the
particular type of data you are asking for is not available in your area of interest.
The 1:5,000 Wetlands and Soils layers, for example,
are currently available for only part of the state. To find out if the
data you are looking for is currently available you can look at the themes under "Status /Availability" There
are several maps that can show you what geographic areas of the state
are lacking certain types of data.
Q: I’m
having problems copying my files...
A: On
rare occasions, a CD leaves MassGIS with a problem. Give us a call and we will evaluate the problem and see if
it is neccessary to send you another copy.
Q: Can
MassGIS help me with learning how to use ArcGIS?
A: At
the moment, we do not have the resources to aid users extensively on ArcGIS 8.x or ArcView 3.x
itselt. However, in the docs /ArcGIS8/docs directory , you will find instructions for loading and using the Data Viewer.
You should also explore the help menu section that comes with the ArcGIS software. Look under the "Help" menu at the
upper right of your screen.
Q: I
have a copy of the MassGIS Data Viewer. Can I install it on multiple computers?
A: The
MassGIS Data Viewer is in the public domain. You may install it on multiple
computers.
Q: I
installed the Viewer program. How do I now draw up the GIS data?
A: There
are 2 ways to draw up data. The first method, which is the easiest to use is by clicking the "DataViewer"
button. The "DataViewer" button represents data that MassGIS has symbolized. If you picked a category off
the list under the Browse or Search section with the "DataViewer" button, it will appear when you turn it on
(a check mark) in your table of contents. The second way to add data to your View
is to use the normal ArcMap "Add Theme" button. You can use this button
to draw up any MassGIS data or any other data that you may have. When using
the Add Theme button you must know the name of the data file you wish to
use and where it is stored on your computer.
Q: Is there a "Runtime" version of
the Viewer?
A: No, the only Data Viewer
for ArcGIS 8.x uses a template file (mxt) which requires a full version of ArcGIS 8.x.
Q: Why
do some data appear greyed out when checked on in the table of contents at certain scales?
A: Some
themes under the "DataViewer" button have associated minimum or maximum scales.
This means that the data layer will not draw if the user is too far
zoomed in or out for the data to make sense or be readable. For example,
USGS quads will not be drawn if you are zoomed out more than 1:25,000.
Some choices under the "DataViewer" button bring up 2 themes. For example, choosing
"MHD Roads by Administrative Type" will bring up a major road theme and an all-roads
theme. If you are zoomed out and viewing a large area, only the all-roads
theme's label will appear in the table of contents, and the symbols for
the roads will not appear. Instead, the major roads theme's symbols will
appear. It does not make sense to see every road when you are looking at
the entire state, because not every road will be visible, and the GIS program will
spend a lot of time drawing. If you are looking at a small area, the all-roads
theme will be drawn.
Q: Can
I edit the MassGIS data?
A: The
MassGIS data distributed with the Viewer is in shapefile format. Once copied
off the CD(s) they can be edited with ArcMap or a full version of ArcView
(not the "Runtime" version). After copying the data off the CD ensure that
the files are not set as Read-Only.
