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You can determine the projection of a data layer by right-clicking on it,
selecting properties, and looking beneath the Source tab.
If your data layer does not have a coordinate system,
you will have to define the projection before actually projecting it.
To Project your data layer you must first open the ArcToolbox
which is located on the standard toolbar.
Open 'Data Management Tools' and 'Projections and Transformations'.
'Define Projection'.
You only need to define your projection if your data layer
does not have a defined coordinate system.
Use the drop down arrow to select the data layer you wish to define.
Select the icon located beside Coordinate System
to open the Spatial Reference Properties window.
Select the 'Select...' button
Browse to the Geographic Coordinate System of your choice.
In this example we will browse to *** 1983.
Project
The project tool will create a new data layer in the projection of your choosing.
You would use this tool if the data layer already has a defined Coordinate System.
Beneath 'Projections and Transformations', select 'Feature' and 'Project'.
Select the layer to be projected.
Beneath Output Dataset or Feature Class,
browse to the location you would like your new data layer
to be saved and give it an appropriate, descriptive name.
Select the icon located beside Output Coordinate System.
Select the 'Select…' button
Browse to the Projected Coordinate System of your choice.
In this example we will browse to '*** 1983 UTM Zone 17N'
The new, projected layer is automatically added to the table of contents.
If you are having trouble viewing your new data layer,
select the 'Full Extent' icon in the tools toolbar.
For further instruction in ArcMap, please visit our Video archives.