How to project a geographic coordinate system into a projected coordinate system in ArcGIS Pro
Projecting a geographic coordinate system (GCS) into a projected coordinate system (PCS) is a common task that enhances the spatial accuracy and usability of your GIS data. Geographic coordinate systems use a three-dimensional spherical surface to define locations on the earth, while projected coordinate systems provide a flat, two-dimensional representation of this data, which is essential for creating maps and performing spatial analysis. Converting your data from the GCS to a PCS allows for more accurate distance and area calculations and better alignment with other spatial datasets.
Do I need to measure anything? If you say yes to this question, then you need to project your dataset. Projecting a dataset that has a GCS will convert its degrees of latitude and longitude into a measurable unit (meter, foot).
This article will walk you through the steps to project a GCS into a PCS in ArcGIS Pro.
Software requirement(s):
- ArcGIS Pro 3.2.2
1 - Data download.
Follow this link to download the ArcGIS Pro package that will be used in this article https://tribalgis-my.sharepoint.com/:u:/p/sarques/EVDVp1XEgdxElnZV5IotKskBxkmxkkkLuj1GFtBWQz1btw?e=zQ8Q98. Save it in a meaningful location.
2 - Double-click on the package to open the project in ArcGIS Pro. Sign in into your ArcGIS Online account if required.
This map depicts the locations of indigenous communities in coastal areas across the U.S.A states and territories that may face or are already experiencing the effect of Sea Level Rise (SLR).
The map's coordinate system is NAD 1983 HARN, and both the coordinate system and the symbology can be changed to fit your needs.
3 - View the Layer's Properties
Open the layer's properties to view the layer's coordinate system.
4 - In the Contents pane, right-click the layer's name (Indigenous Communities) and click Properties.
5 - In the Layer Properties dialog box, click the Source tab and expand the Spatial Reference to check your coordinate system.
The current geographic coordinate system is NAD 1983 HARN. You may convert it to the basemap's coordinate system WGS 1984 Web Mercator (auxiliary sphere) if needed. You may also project it in another projection if you need to measure distances, areas, directions or if you need to work with another geographic or projected coordinate system.
We'll convert it to the WGS 1984 Web Mercator (auxiliary sphere) as this is the basemap's coordinate system.
6 - Let's project our Indigenous Communities layer into the WGS 1984 Web Mercator (auxiliary sphere). Close the Layer Properties dialog box.
7 - In your Contents pane, right-click on Map and select Properties.
8 - In the Map Properties window, click the Coordinate Systems tab and select WGS 1984 Web Mercator (auxiliary sphere). Click OK.
9 - On the ribbon click the Analysis tab. In the Geoprocessing group, click Tools. Search Project.
10 - Open the Project tool.
- For Input Dataset or Feature Class choose Indigenous Communities.
- For Output Dataset or Feature Class accept the default name IndigenousCommunitie_Project. You can always rename your layer later.
- For Output Coordinate System choose Current Map in the drop-down menu. The tool will not only convert your layer to the chosen projection but also transform your datum. Click Run.
Alternatively, you can also right-click on your layer, select "Data", and then choose "Export Features" to modify the Output Coordinate System. In the "Export Features" window, click on "Environments" and select the desired Output Coordinate System.
11 - Your newly projected layer has been added to your Contents pane. Check your new layer's Spatial Reference (Layer Properties) to make sure that it now displays the right coordinate system.
12 - Feel free to rename it and delete the non-projected one. Close the Geoprocessing window.
We deleted it and renamed the layer "Indigenous Communities".
We hope that this article has been helpful! If you have any feedback or questions, please feel free to send us an email or connect with us for a chat. The NTGISC team is here to assist you further!