ESRI ArcGIS Desktop Certification Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• When dealing with different coordinate systems in ArcGIS, what is necessary to ensure proper alignment?
• What ArcGIS Online analysis tool should be used to combine areas that share a common edge?
• Which workspace type is automatically created when a new Project is created in ArcGIS Pro?
• How can a user ensure that a map properly reflects different coordinate systems in ArcMap?
• If a utility pole is deleted and all its associated transformers must also be deleted, which type of association should be used?
• Upon adding a dataset to an existing map, an analyst receives a warning that the spatial reference is unknown. Which process will resolve this issue?
• Which tool in ArcGIS allows for the creation of a new feature class from selected features in a layer?
• Which option allows an ArcGIS user to perform a spatial join in ArcMap?
• What type of coordinate system is needed to create boundary lines of land parcels?
• How can an ArcGIS user ensure that point symbols used in a feature layer scale with zoom?
• How can a user correct an incorrect expression in a feature layer selection in ArcGIS Pro?
• If an ArcGIS Pro user copies layers from one map to another and the custom symbology carries over, what should they have done differently?
• A supervisor wants a user to create a new feature class based on an existing one. How should the user maintain the same schema as the original feature class?
• In ArcMap, how can a user project a layer without using a geoprocessing tool?
• Which type of map shades areas according to a prearranged key, with each shading representing a range of values?
• What operation is most suitable for minimizing data loss when transferring shapefile data into a new geodatabase?
• What is the primary purpose of metadata in GIS?
• What should an analyst do to ensure quality when importing shapefiles into a file geodatabase?
• Which ArcGIS Online analysis tool calculates statistics in areas where an input layer overlaps a boundary layer?
• Which additional method would also enable the display of a hidden field in an ArcGIS attribute table?
• In selecting roads that are division lines between cities, what spatial query keeps only those road lines?
• In ArcGIS Pro, which component allows users to create and manipulate the design of maps and layouts?
• In ArcGIS, what does the term 'georeferencing' mean?
• Which tool should Robert use to automate finding the number of points located in polygons?
• Which action will preserve the intermediate data of a model?
• For which purpose is the Transform tool used in ArcGIS?
• When should an ArcGIS user change the reference scale of an existing map annotation?
• What action should you take if the coordinate system info of a newly added shapefile is 'Unknown'?
• What is the primary function of a thematic map?
• Which SQL statement selects crimes that occurred on weekend days in ArcMap?
• What is the method to transfer street centerlines from an ArcSDE geodatabase feature class into a file geodatabase feature class?
• An ArcGIS analyst discovers an error in an input dataset. What should the analyst do to ensure the model uses the edited data the next time it runs?
• Which two ways can values be entered into the scale box to set map scale in ArcGIS Pro?
• How can a feature layer representing villages be symbolized by region colors in ArcGIS Online?
• Which tool allows an ArcGIS user to modify the boundary between two polygon features while ensuring they remain coincident?
• What should an ArcGIS user do before displaying a point file as graduated symbols, when multiple points share the same coordinates?
• If a GIS analyst needs to share a presentation of their analysis apart from the map document, what is the most efficient way?
• What spatial reference will ArcMap assign to a layer with no spatial reference added first?
• If an organization wants to share multiple maps and scenes to an external user, what type of package should they use?
• Which data format can be successfully added as an item to ArcGIS Online?
• What is the most efficient way to display population information in a Pop-up title in ArcGIS Online?
• Which element is essential for ensuring data integrity during the geoprocessing workflow?
• Which tool is best for exporting features from a geodatabase to another file format?
• Which geoprocessing feature allows the analysis of spatial relationships between features in ArcGIS?
• A coded value domain provides which two benefits for attribute editing?
• Where will a stand-alone table in a geodatabase reside if it contains additional information about land parcels?
• Which tool would you use to merge two or more shapefiles into one?
• Which two actions can lead to conflicts during a reconcile operation in ArcGIS?
• In what situation should a buffer analysis be performed?
• A GIS user needs autocomplete suggestions when searching for a location on the map in ArcGIS Online. What action should the user take?
• What file format allows a user to send a completed ArcGIS Pro project to a cartographer with limited data access?
• What is the best choice for exporting data from a polygon layer to a new file format while retaining the attribute data?
• When selecting city points within a country polygon, which spatial query should be used starting with a selected country polygon?
• An ArcGIS Pro user interested in demographic insights from selected locations should do what after connecting to ArcGIS Online?
• What is the first step a GIS user should take when geocoding for the first time in ArcMap?
• What coordinate system is ideal for storing a global scale dataset with latitude and longitude?
• What must be done when creating a trail feature class to store elevation values?
• Under which circumstances is it appropriate for an ArcGIS user to use Data Driven Pages?
• What type of data format is an FGDB in ArcGIS?
• How can an ArcGIS Pro analyst ensure a feature layer and a stand-alone table are published together?
• A client requests a map of a project area and wants to view the data in ArcReader. What is a valid way for the ArcGIS user to share the project area with them?
• What type of render displays slope by grouping cell values into categories in ArcGIS?
• To symbolize crimes by neighborhood median income using a feature class of crimes and a polygon feature class of neighborhoods, which association should be used?
• What is the most common use for a choropleth map?
• Where is the control for map text formatting located in ArcGIS Pro?
• How should a GIS technician apply land use type descriptions to a polygon layer based on a separate table?
• What action should a GIS analyst take to display transit lines that are missing a projection file?
• What should a user select after clicking the Table Options button to change the display of fields in ArcCatalog?
• Which tools allow the user to create a road that follows the border of a polygon?
• What effect does applying a join in ArcMap have on a layer and a stand-alone table?
• Which tool should a GIS analyst use to extract data from a feature class without altering coordinates or attributes?
• What is the purpose of using infographics in ArcGIS?
• Which tool can help a GIS analyst analyze traffic accidents over a five-year period?
• Which method will turn on the display of a previously hidden field in an ArcGIS attribute table?
• What is the maximum limit for file geodatabase name length in ArcGIS Desktop?
• Given a point dataset of the U.S. with attributes like State Name and Population, which analysis can be performed?
• How can an ArcGIS Pro user visually sort an attribute window using multiple fields?
• Where is a relate between a layer attribute table and another table saved?
• What is the intended purpose of raster pyramids?
• In the context of ArcGIS, what does the term "shapefile" refer to?
• To calculate the population density of a city layer using data from a demographics table, which association should be utilized?
• Which menu must a user choose to add the Table of Contents back to a map document?
• Which two files can be sent to ensure symbology is maintained when sharing an .mxd file?
• Which ready-to-use service in ArcGIS Desktop is specifically utilized for network analysis?
• What tool would you use to directly visualize the paths taken by airplanes over time in ArcGIS?
• Which tool should an ArcGIS user use to evaluate the best land tract based on cost and environmental impact?
• Which file type can be dragged and dropped from the desktop directly into the ArcGIS Online map viewer?
• In ArcGIS, which tool is used to remove duplicate points from a dataset before analysis?
• For analyzing survey results where each response is linked to a specific location, which type of association would best serve the data?
• To display a city layer enriched with demographic data from another table that is not geometrically correlated, which association should be applied?
• A technician has a map of cell phone towers and needs to locate an additional tower with x,y coordinates. What should the technician do?
• When should an ArcGIS user utilize the Select by Attributes tool?
• What is the recommended method for inspecting the schema properties of a feature class without adding it to a map in ArcMap?
• An ArcGIS user is tasked with modeling water distribution for a city using an existing geodatabase. What should the user do?
• Which tool allows an analyst to georeference non-georeferenced aerial photos using a known georeferenced raster?
• What is the expected outcome of using the Append tool in TEST mode?
• What process would generate a new feature class output of rivers of California from existing feature classes?
• To address unsupported geometry conditions while importing data, which tool should be utilized?
• Which tool should be used to determine the most viable tract of land based on cost and environmental impact?
• What will be the coordinate system of the exported output when exporting a feature class to a feature dataset with differing coordinate systems?
• What tool is used to create a feature class based on the centroid of point features?
• When creating a geodatabase for simultaneous editing by three editors, which type of geodatabase is most appropriate?
• What is necessary to ensure proper alignment when overlaying two datasets in ArcGIS?
• What type of coordinate system must be assigned to a feature class for visualization within ArcGIS?
• What type of association allows an ArcGIS user to delete associated records when a primary record is deleted?
• What is the proper workflow to export only the attribute table of a feature class to a file geodatabase?
• What map element should be used to identify a province within the entire country on a map?
• What can an ArcGIS user modify to increase the numeric precision used to store coordinate values?
• In ArcGIS, which format is preferred for sharing data among users who need to edit the data collaboratively?
• Which two fields are required to create an attribute domain using the Table to Domain tool?
• What is the recommended action for an analyst to import shapefile data into a file geodatabase?
• Which ArcGIS Desktop extension is needed for calculations using the Block Statistics geoprocessing tool?
• What action should a researcher take to generate a missing .prj file for a shapefile?
• Which of the following tools allows users to overlay two layers in ArcGIS?
• Which application should a user deploy to collect photos and information for asset evaluation?
• An organization manages multiple GIS projects and restricts data access to specific users. Which type of geodatabase should the organization use?
• Which load type allows adding features to a feature class that are point, line, or polygon but are not network feature classes?
• Which type of data provides descriptions and characteristics that cannot be measured numerically?
• How should a GIS analyst find a Living Atlas layer in ArcGIS Pro to add to the project?
• What feature layer type is created when a zipped shapefile is added to ArcGIS Online using the Add > Add Layer From File option?
• What allows an ArcGIS user to specify the scale at which layers draw?
• What must an ArcMap user ensure for a new feature class to participate in a geometric network?
• What action should an ArcGIS user take to make an existing file geodatabase feature class available in another file geodatabase?
• How can a user export a map image that contains data from both data frames in ArcGIS?
• A client is building a new home and wants to position the home near a lake and a school. Which combination of analysis tools will create a polygon representing a potential area for building the home?
• How can an ArcGIS user repair a .mxd file that has broken data sources?
• Which map projection is most suitable for a national park with an east-west orientation near the equator?
• What tool is recommended for updating a coastline feature class after a recent weather event?
• To publish a layout as a high-quality printed map in ArcGIS, which steps should a user follow?
• Which ArcGIS Desktop extension should be enabled to use the Block Statistics geoprocessing tool when calculating the mean slope per watershed?
• To display only a subset of polygon features while retaining all records in the attribute table, what method should an analyst use?
• Why might an ArcGIS user be unable to add data from an enterprise database to an ArcMap document?
• How can data integrity and spatial relationships be ensured in a geodatabase topology?
• How does a geodatabase topology ensure data integrity?
• If your data frames coordinate system is NAD 83 and incoming vector data is WGS 84, what must you do?
• What term is used for ancillary information that models the internal distribution of a phenomenon?
• In ArcGIS Online, which search option is set by default when looking for data?
• Which scale should a user choose for a map that clearly displays street, trees, and businesses in a village?
• What is a map designed to show a particular theme connected with a specific geographic area called?
• What is the main purpose of using the Clip tool in ArcGIS?
• What is an advantage of using the Block Statistics geoprocessing tool in Spatial Analyst?
• What geodatabase element is used to model the flow of resources such as water or electricity?
• What is the most efficient way for a GIS user to simplify new project creation?
• What query expression should be used to select earthquake features with a magnitude greater than 4 in ArcMap?
• When creating a map layout, what is the best reasoning for including a scale bar?
• What is a key function of a project template in ArcGIS?
• Which coordinate system is suitable for storing a worldwide dataset using latitude and longitude?
• What data type should be used for a field containing country populations in a file geodatabase?
• What is a common way to visualize trends in geographic data over time?
• What functionality in ArcMap allows the creation of specific study area views?
• What type of analysis best assesses the impact of land use changes over years?
• In ArcGIS, what feature allows users to control the visibility of a layer based on scale?
• Where should an ArcGIS Pro user set a specific transformation for a map?
• What is the best action for a GIS technician needing to export maps for individual county parcels in ArcGIS Pro?
• Which analysis method should be used to analyze traffic conditions over time?
• What should an ArcGIS user do to ensure data layers align correctly when using different projections?
• After using tools on the Editor toolbar to correct an overlap error in a geodatabase topology, the error is still displayed. What must the analyst do to rectify this?
• In ArcGIS, which function allows for the automatic update of linked data across multiple map layouts?
• If a user needs to synthesize data from various sources in ArcGIS, which action is the most efficient?
• What is the primary purpose of a geoprocessing model in ArcGIS?
• Which type of graph is used when an ArcGIS user displays magnitude on an x-axis and duration on a y-axis for earthquake data analysis?
• What method is most effective for repairing data source issues in multiple layers when a geodatabase has been moved?
• In what scenario would you use a relate to associate a feature class of apartment buildings with a table of tenant information?
• An ArcGIS user has one feature class that is spatially inaccurate but has accurate tabular data, and another is spatially accurate but has inaccurate tabular data. Which tool should they use to reconcile this?
• Which geodatabase element models the flow of resources like water or electricity?
• Which element is required for creating Data Driven Pages in ArcGIS?
• What should be done before sharing a layer package with external users?
• Which GIS process would most benefit a project seeking to analyze habitat changes over time?
• What type of geodatabase allows for version control in multi-user environments?
• Which option would NOT be effective for visualizing trends in a GIS dataset?
• Which raster function is appropriate to determine relative biomass from a mosaic dataset of Landsat imagery?
• Which sharing option should a user select for a project team from multiple organizations with access constraints?
• A user finds that a streets layer draws elevated above the ground in ArcGIS Pro. What should they do to fix the problem?
• What does a low root mean square error (RMS) indicate after a spatial transformation?
• When creating a copy of a feature class with a subset of fields, which step should be taken after using the Feature Class To Feature Class tool?
• An ArcGIS user performs a spatial adjustment on a dataset. What factor can indicate if the results are acceptable?
• A feature class in Coordinate System A is added to a data frame in ArcMap using Coordinate System B. How does ArcMap display the features accurately?
• A city planner wants to select all zones designated as type E, F, or FF. Which SQL statement should they use?
• How should an ArcMap user export a raster that is clipped to a selected graphic?
• What feature of ArcGIS allows for collaborative editing among multiple users?
• Which tool maintains shared polygon boundaries when modifying neighboring polygons in map topology?
• What are ways to create a new file geodatabase in ArcGIS Desktop?
• Which tool allows an ArcGIS user to split a long line at each intersection with other lines in a single step?
• What type of layer can be shared with the public in ArcGIS Online?
• What can be used to ensure a feature class maintains integrity when updating data in ArcMap?
• What is the purpose of creating a topology in ArcGIS?
• Which projection should be used to maintain visual orientation for features on an aeronautical chart?
• Which type of analysis would benefit from a scatter plot visualization in ArcGIS?
• When is it appropriate to use the Union tool in ArcGIS?
• What should an ArcGIS user do to ensure the exact outline of all building and parcel features is visible?
• What tool would an ArcGIS user utilize to maintain the polygons of a coastal feature class while accounting for new reference points?
• Which function does not support data integrity in geodatabase topology?
• By default, what type of features are created when a GIS analyst selects a line feature class in Create Features?
• Which type of data is represented by numerical values on at least an ordinal level?
• To analyze spatial relationships between different datasets, which tool is most commonly used?
• To display two attribute tables side-by-side in ArcGIS, which workflow should the user follow?
• An ArcGIS Pro user must interactively display features with attribute values between a minimum and a maximum value. How should the user achieve this task?
• Which tab in ArcGIS Pro is used to access sharing options for maps and layers?
• What step must a landscape designer take if they encounter an error while using the Create Features pane?
• Which tab in ArcGIS Pro allows for the creation of new map layers and basemaps?
• Which snapping option must be turned on to snap a road to the border of a land parcel?
• What property must be set by an analyst for multi-dimensional analysis in a sub-surface oil exploration project?
• What tool should a GIS user use to geocode addresses in ArcMap?
• What should a GIS analyst do to create and save labels for use in other maps, while allowing edits in ArcMap?
• What tool in ArcGIS helps users find and select features based on specific criteria?
• An ArcGIS user wants to share a map document with a colleague lacking ArcGIS Desktop. What format must the user export to?
• How can an ArcGIS user share a layer file along with its data with someone outside the organization?
• How can a user ensure that a folder connection persists across multiple ArcGIS Pro projects?
• How can an ArcGIS user change an inappropriate coordinate system transformation in a data frame?
• How can an analyst ensure that ArcGIS metadata is included when publishing a service?
• What method should an ArcGIS Desktop user use to find out the data type referenced by a layer?
• What should a user do to ensure Vertices can be edited effectively in ArcGIS Pro?
• What data storage type should be used to create access to individual years of LAS datasets?
• What type of lines are drawn to represent areas of equal value or filled with similar colors on a map?
• Which two methods are valid for calculating field values? (Choose two)
• What is a consequence of applying a definition query on a layer in ArcGIS?
• Which command is used to bulk edit attribute data within a geodatabase?
• How should an ArcMap user create a file geodatabase in a previous version?
• How should a user enter zoning information into a parcel's Attributes window that utilizes a coded value domain?
• What should a researcher do if a new ArcGIS Pro Project has no visible map upon creation?
• A map document references a local data source. What must an ArcGIS user do before sending the map document to another workstation?
• What kind of relationship would you use if you want to ensure that records in a table are tied to multiple entries in a feature class, such as linking many crimes to their respective neighborhoods?
• An analyst sets valid values for an attribute. Which domain type should be used to constrain the values to a specific set?
• When creating a map, what should you consider regarding symbology?
• What spatial query keeps only the road lines that divide cities selected from all Road Lines features?
• Which symbol type is most appropriate to represent the locations of park benches in a point feature class?
• An ArcGIS user's plotter only prints up to 42 inches. What must the user do to print a wall map sized 84 inches x 60 inches?
• Which spatial selection method allows a user to select polygons that share at least half of their area with another large polygon?
• How should a GIS analyst share a Python script within a model for modification by online users?
• How can a user select a coordinate system for a new feature dataset in the wizard?
• What type of data is collected specifically for a researcher's particular study?
• If given a feature class of an advancing wildfire, which type of analysis should be utilized to show progression?
• Which application is primarily designed to organize and manage various types of geographic information?
• To check the ArcSDE geodatabase versioning information of a layer's feature class in an .mxd file, what should a user do?
• What is the correct workflow to make a map publicly available online in ArcGIS Pro?
• What is the recommended method for a GIS administrator to share map documents without staff copying data to local drives?
• What are two possible reasons for features shifting in a GIS project?
• When it is necessary to join a table containing historical building records with a layer of building footprints in a geodatabase, what type of association is appropriate?
• Which factor is important for determining the acceptability of spatial adjustment results?
• What is a key benefit of using a File Geodatabase in ArcGIS Pro?
• An ArcGIS user needs to view map coordinates in nautical miles but is using a projected coordinate system that displays meters. How can the user change the display units?
• What setting should be changed to ensure collected GPS points are imported with millimeter precision?
• To efficiently add a vertex to a Buildings feature from ArcGIS Pro, which workflow should a user follow?
• Which tool should an analyst use to determine distances and directions from a polyline feature class to multiple point feature classes?
• In ArcGIS Online, which layer type is a zipped shapefile converted into upon being added through the web interface?
• What is the primary purpose of the Append geoprocessing tool in creating a new feature class?
• When importing shapefiles into a file geodatabase, why is it important to run the Feature Class to Feature Class geoprocessing tool?
• In ArcGIS, what function does the Buffer tool perform?
• What format is appropriate for exporting map documents with intact vector layers for editing?
• Which edit tool is recommended to update a coastline feature class to reflect changes due to erosion?
• If all operational layers in a map document fall within a city but the basemap layer covers the whole world, how should the user resolve zooming issues?
• Which Geometry Type should a city planner select to reflect changes in length for new construction on streets?
• What can be used in ArcGIS Desktop to display the most current observation for each airplane without data modification?
• In ArcGIS, what feature is used to define the color, symbol, and other visual elements of a layer?
• What is a common use of the Catalog window in ArcGIS?
• To allow users to select values for certain attributes in a web app, what action should a GIS analyst take?
• Which ArcGIS platform application allows a user to store multiple maps and layouts in a single file for a large scale transportation project?
• To combine two shapefiles into a new feature class in a file geodatabase, what is the correct method?
• What does "One inch equals 1567 feet" represent in map interpretation?
• Which menu should Robert select to add the Table of Contents to his ArcMap document?
• When is a transformation required while projecting data?
• What type of association allows an ArcMap user to edit data values in a table that is linked to a feature class?
• Where can users switch between Standard and Maplex labeling engines in ArcMap?
• An ArcGIS user has a highway polyline dataset and a school point dataset. Which tool should be used to find schools within one mile of highways and report the distance?
• Which option in ArcGIS Online takes a user directly to a page showing the organization's featured content?
• Which option allows users to share layers while ensuring specific features are visible based on certain criteria in ArcGIS Online?
• To ensure an .mxd file can be opened in a previous ArcGIS version, one should use which command?
• What is the minimum environment setting level to override default settings for the Clip tool?
• How can a user in an organization find and add a shared feature layer to a new web map in ArcGIS Online?
• What is the function of the Merge tool in ArcGIS?
• What workflow should a GIS department use to apply a standard set of raster functions to aerial imagery?
• Which term describes lines that connect points of equal value on a map?
• What is the best workflow for an ArcGIS Pro user to access more data after making a map on the computer's large monitor?
• How can an ArcGIS Pro user access web tools for analysis?
• How can ArcGIS users enhance the performance of their maps when publishing to the web?
• What must an analyst do first when using the Georeference tool in ArcGIS Pro?
• An ArcMap user received new cadastral data to load into an existing feature class, but the attribute fields differ. Which tool can be used to load the data with field mapping?
• What option allows for local projections of a geographic dataset for analysis?
• What is the primary purpose of the Spatial Analyst extension in ArcGIS?
• A GIS researcher needs to create a web map in ArcGIS Online while ensuring certain features do not show based on an attribute table field. How should this be achieved?
• For effective data visualization in ArcGIS, what should a user consider when symbolizing layers?
• An ArcGIS user is creating a road polygon feature at a specified distance on each side of a road centerline. Which geoprocessing tool should be used?
• How can a GIS user display the location of an address as a point on the map in ArcMap?
• What is the result of applying a relate in ArcMap to a stand-alone table and a layer attribute table?
• Which of the following is a tool used to identify features on a map based on their spatial location?
• What can an ArcGIS user do to ensure that both parcel and building features are visible when displayed together?
• Which tool should be used to create a new feature class for areas where a mammal weighs more than 45 kilograms?
• In creating a new water distribution network, what must an ArcGIS user create to manage fire hydrant laterals and service water pipes within one feature class?
• How can a GIS analyst find author and usage details for feature classes in a file geodatabase?
• Which application should a biologist use to record locations of standing water with mosquito larvae in the field?
• What does the 'Export Map' function primarily do in ArcGIS?
• Which tool can be utilized for an analysis involving layers that share the same attribute values?
• What action can a GIS technician take to highlight layers with broken data links in ArcGIS Pro?
• Where can a locator created from a polyline feature class be saved?
• What is the main benefit of using a relationship class in ArcGIS?
• Given a point dataset with attributes like State Name and Elevation, which analyses are possible?
• What can result in bitmapped, banded, or low-quality display printed maps?
• What should a user check if a shared map in ArcGIS Online is not visible to intended users?
• Which two factors should be considered when determining the appropriateness of a dataset? (Choose two)
• How can Robert verify the ArcSDE geodatabase versioning information of a layer's feature class?
• What feature is essential for enabling users to search for layers across different projects in ArcGIS Online?
• What is the advantage of using Maplex over Standard labeling in ArcGIS?
• What is the most efficient data model for managing elevation data with three billion points?
• In which coordinate system should a thematic map of population density in different countries be created?
• What is the primary function of using a geodatabase in ArcGIS?
• Why does the layer fail to show up in the Start Editing list in ArcMap?
• What is the most efficient method to repair broken data paths in a map document?
• When provided with 2 TB of aerial imagery without the ability to duplicate, which storage type is most appropriate for ArcGIS Desktop?
• Which tool allows the creation of a schema-only layer package (Ipk) in ArcGIS desktop?
• A geographic coordinate system uses which unit of measure?
• What is the role of the Dissolve tool in geoprocessing?
• Which tool is best used to add new GPS waypoints from shapefiles to a geodatabase feature class?
• How should an analyst concatenate fields "City_Name" and "Region" with a comma and space?