This Computer Companion also contains a geographic database of over 1,400 cataracts throughout the Pacific Northwest.  An additional FREE program will allow you to view a map of all these waterfalls.  Being a computer map, you will be able interact with it, zooming in and out to particular areas of interest.  You will also be able to access information about each waterfall, simply by clicking over its dot symbol.  Here is what you need to do to get started!

1) Download software called ArcExplorer, a FREE product from Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), the world's leading Geographic Information Systems (GIS) company. The web site is located at www.esri.com

2) After you have successfully downloaded and installed ArcExplorer, run the application.  Click File, then Open, then select C:\NWFALLS\MAPDATA\FALLS-AE.  A county map color-coded by state should appear with dots representing the locations of all the cataracts.

3) Here are some of the interactive mapping capabilities:

• Zoom in by clicking over the magnifying lens icon containing the + symbol, then draw a rectangle around the area of interest.
• Go back to the area of the entire Northwest by clicking over the three-page icon, located at the far left side of the row of icons.
• Use the magnifying lens with the - symbol to zoom out.  Use the hand or arrow symbols to pan in a given direction.
• The map legend to the left will list a pair of map themes, namely FALLS and NWCOUNTIES.  Click over the name FALLS; a rectangular box will appear over it and its symbol.  Now when you move your mouse over a waterfall (without clicking), you will see its name!
• Notice the identify icon is now accessible.  It's the letter i enclosed by a black circle. Click over it to activate it, then click over a waterfall of your choice.  Information will appear about each waterfall you select!
• You can also perform queries by clicking over the icon that looks like a hammer.  For example, let's say you are interested in descents located in Boundary County. From the select field, click over COUNTY.  Wait a few seconds, then click over the = symbol, then scroll down the sample values box and select BOUNDARY.  Now click execute, then highlight results.  All of the falls in Boundary County will be highlighted in yellow.  Click zoom to results and your map will go to those falls!
• There are other capabilities as well.  Use the Help Menu to learn more about using ArcExplorer to navigate waterfalls and other geographic data.