At IU, how do I scan a hard-copy map to use in ArcGIS?

Several Student Technology Centers (STCs) at Indiana University have color scanners. For locations, see At IUB, what multimedia devices are available? or At IUB or IUPUI, where can I find a scanner?

When scanning a hard-copy map to use in ArcGIS, scan at high resolution (300dpi minimum) and save the image in the .tif format.

You can then add the TIF image as a data layer in ArcMap and rectify it to another layer with a specified spatial reference system that will serve as a base map product. The base map can be any map product in a specified spatial reference system (coordinate system, map projection, datum) that contains features observable on the image to be registered/rectified (e.g., road intersections).

ArcGIS Help includes instructions for using the Georeferencing utility to rectify an image. In ArcGIS Desktop Help, type georeferencing a raster dataset in the search menu.

You can also visit Georeferencing a raster dataset in ESRI's online help, which can be more up to date.

Also, ESRI provides a Virtual Campus course called "Georeferencing Rasters in ArcGIS". For more, see At IU, how can I access ESRI's Virtual Campus courses?

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