Support & FAQs
E-classroom FAQs
1) When can I work on the computers in the e-classroom (Burnside511) outside of class hours?
2) Can I get after-hours access to the e-classroom?
3) How do I print from the electronic classroom?
GIS FAQs
4) I cannot see my ArcGIS extensions, the tools I want to use are not available. How can I get my extensions?
5) How do I get a copy of ArcGIS?
6) Where is the license code for my student ArcGIS – ArcEditor 9.3.1 software?
7) Do I have access to ESRI Virtual Campus Courses?
8) What is the difference between ArcView, ArcEditor and ArcINFO? Which one do I need for my research?
9) I need to do GIS work while in the field, what can I do?
10) How do I ensure that my ArcGIS software is completely up to date?
11) How can I get information about careers in GIS?
12) How do I use Bing Maps?
1) When can I work on the computers in the e-classroom (Burnside511)?
The schedule for classes held in the e-classroom (Burnside511 ) is given here . The lab is available for general use outside of class hours. While classes are in session, please respect the instructor and fellow students by not using the machines, unless you are enrolled in that class. If you need to work on an assignment but a class is in session in the electronic classroom, please use the computers in Area 12 of the Hitschfeld Library. Alternatively, you can obtain a DVD copy of ArcEditor 9.3.1 (and extensions) for use on your personal computer from Ruilan Shi in room BH509.
2) Can I get after-hours access to the e-classroom?
The Walter Hitschfeld library is open 8:30-23:00 (Monday-Thursday), 8:30-22:00(Friday), 12:00-21:00 (Saturday-Sunday). To access the lab outside of these times, after-hours access is required. If you require after-hours access, please contact us.
3) How can I print from the electronic classroom?
To print in black and white, select the \\288-TECHY\288-HP Laserjet 4100 Series Duplex New (default printer – prints double sided) OR \\288-TECHY\288-HP Laserjet 4100 Series New (prints single sided). If your job does not come out , you may have selected the A2 paper size. If this occurs you will see an “attention” light flashing on the printer. If so, click on the “V” arrow down, and then click on the “Enter”. The printer will then use the default paper size of 8.5X11.
To print in colour Select the 288-TECHY HP Color Laserjet 8550 PCL.
Print outs can be found at the 2 printers adjacent to room BH509. The price per page is posted on each printer ( Black and white = $0.06 per side - $0.12 per sheet; Colour copies = $0.65 per side). Copy charges are billed to your McGill student account.
4) I cannot see my ArcGIS extensions (e.g. Spatial Analyst, 3D Analyst etc...). When I open ArcMap, those tools are not available. How can I activate extensions?
The extensions are automatically installed with the software. However, to access the associated tools you need to turn on the extension and open the associated toolbar. To turn on the extensions:
- In ArcMap go to Tools > Extensions
- With the cursor, select the box next to each extension that you want to activate (e.g. Spatial Analyst). Close the window.
- In ArcMap go to View > Toolbars
- Select the tool bar associated with the extension of interest (e.g. Spatial Analyst).
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5) How do I get a copy of ArcGIS?
Undergraduate and Graduate Students
A 1-year license for ArcGIS 9.3.1, including extensions, is available to McGill students. This is the mid-tier 'ArcEditor' level of system in ESRI's suite of ArcGIS products. This license means that students can use GIS on their own computers without being connected to the McGill server. The student version of ArcGIS 9.3.1 expires 1 year after installation. Students can get access by:
A) Seeing Ruilan in room BH509.
B) Filling out a license form and receive a DVD copy of ArcGIS 9.3.1 (and Extensions).
C) Returning the DVDs to BH509 after software installation.
For Macdonald campus students, DVD copies of ArcGIS 9.3.1 are also available at the Macdonald Campus library.
Faculty/Staff
There are two ways for faculty/staff to get GIS software on their computers.
A) The easiest way is to download a copy from ELMS, McGill's online repository of institutionally licensed software. You need to log onto this site in order to access the software.
www.mcgill.ca/software
ArcGIS ArcEditor 9.3 software is available through this distribution method. This download comes with a license file, does not expire in one year, and can be installed multiple times, making it perfect for setting up a graduate computer lab with GIS software.
B) The second way to get GIS software is only for the more specialized ESRI products such as ArcGIS ArcInfo, ArcPad, ArcGIS Server, ArcIMS, etc. The only way to get these products is to see Ruilan in room BH509 to sign out these medias.
6) Where is the license code for my student ArcGIS – ArcEditor 9.3.1 software?
The license code is on the DVD disk jacket that you picked up from the help desk in room BH509. You need to be connected to the internet during the installation
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7) Do I have access to ESRI Virtual Campus Courses?
Yes. As part of the ESRI site licenses agreement, McGill staff, students, and faculty can take on-line courses. For further details contact gis-support@geog.mcgill.ca. The courses that are available through the McGill site license are:
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8) What is the difference between ArcView, ArcEditor and ArcInfo? Which ESRI product do I need for my research?
ESRI has useful resources to help you answer this question. (See Which Desktop GIS Software is Right for You?)
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9) I need to do GIS work while in the field, what can I do?
Faculty or staff who needs to be able to use software in remote field settings should contact
gis-support@geog.mcgill.ca for assistance selecting the appropriate software solution.
10) How do I ensure that my ArcGIS software is completely up to date?
ESRI regularly fixes bugs and errors. It is recommended that all ArcGIS customers download and install the latest Service Pack from ESRI to ensure the highest quality experience when working with ArcGIS.
11) How can I get information about careers in GIS?
Please see our Links section.
12) How do I use Bing Maps?
Bing Maps is a web mapping service that is now available for use with ArcGIS at McGill. This service enables one to display satellite and aerial imagery with your field data in ArcMap. In some geographic locations, the maximum resolution available in the Bing Map layers is approximately 4.5 pixels per meter. Elsewhere, especially in the most remote areas of the world, top resolution is a few orders of magnitude less. Bing Maps layers are available on the computers the electronic classroom (BH511). The layer files are:
Bing_Maps__Aerial.lyr, Bing_Maps__Aerial_with_Labels.lyr, Bing_Maps__Roads.lyr
To display the Bing Maps with your data, load the layer files in an ArcMap Data frame.
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