ArcGIS Basics - Turning On Extensions

Extension programs in ArcGIS allow the user to do some pretty fantastic things: from generating contour lines from total station points, to calculating viewsheds, and even virtually re-creating past landscapes in 3D! However, before you can use these extension programs, you have to let ArcGIS know that you want to.

Its a very straight-forward process to switching on extensions, but requires you to make use of both ArcCatalog and ArcMap. The most common reason that you might have to switch on an extension is that the software hasn't been used previously.

The process is as follows:

In ArcCatalog, click on the 'Tools' drop-down menu and select 'Extensions'

This will open a new window where you can select which extensions you would like to use in ArcCatalog, ArcMap, ArcScene, etc.

All you have to do is check the boxes for which ever extensions you want (the most commonly used ones for archaeologists are shown above), and then click 'Close'.

The use of extension programs is through toolbars. Activating and organizing toolbars in covered in the 'Organize Your Workspace' section.

Please navigate this portion of the site using the links below:

ArcCatalog vs. ArcMap 'Turning-On' Extensions Organize Your Workspace