arcgis desktop - Capturing data for mapping?

In my project I need the paths in a campus but these paths are non-existent so I'm going to walk around and map (I don't know if it's the correct term) the points to build the corresponding paths.

Is there an easier way to do it?

Answer

Hand digitizing the paths in ArcMap 10 may be easier than walking around every path on campus with a GPS. A really quick and easy way to accomplish your task is as follows:

1. Open ArcMap 10


2. Right click on a folder within the Catalog and select New > Shapefile


3. Click your new shapefile and select feature type "polyline"


4. Add a basemap (File > add data > add basemap > bing maps aerial)


5. Open editor (Customize > toolbars > editor)


6. Start editing and select your new shapefile in the create features window that pops up.


7. At the bottom of the create features pane select "line"


8. Begin selecting the vertices of your paths


9. When you are done select "save edits

That's it, you have your trails as a .shp file. Best of luck!