To search, simply begin typing any search term into the search bar below. As you type, you'll see a continuously updated list of potential matches. Each potential match will appear as a pair: 1. the value and 2. the database field where that value is found.

For example, if you type in hospital, you'll see that you have a number of options, which should be interpreted like this:

• hospital as a NHRP Resource Subcategory
• hospital as a Function
• etc.

You can narrow your search by adding as many additional search terms as necessary. For example, to find all of the 2-storey buildings, search 2 as a You can remove a search term by clicking the x, or you can negate a search term--to show resources that do not fit the criterion--by clicking on it (it will turn red).

In addition to combining multiple search terms, you can apply the Location Filter and/or Time Filter. Once enabled, these filters are added to the search bar, and can be negated just like any other search term.

• The Location Filter allows you to make a spatial query for resources. What resources are within 500ft of the Sherman Building? Use the Map Tools to create a point, line, or polygon on the map, and then apply a buffer to show resources that fit within a given distance of the shape. To create a line or polygon, click to create each new vertex, and double-click to finish the shape.
• The Time Filter allows you to make a date-based query for resources. How many buildings were built before 1900? Add some search terms and use the slider to narrow or broaden the range of dates.

Your search results are listed at the bottom of this page, and they are updated any time that a filter is added or modified. To view the full resource report, which contains all the information in the database for that resource, just click the resource name.

The following viewing options may also be available:

• The Related Resources view is a very exciting feature of the Arches platform which allows you visualize relationships between database resources. You will see a graph that shows the current resource in the middle, with any relationships emanating from it. Search "Gilbert Cameron" for a great example of related resources.
• If a resource has coordinates, the Map button will open a map window and center it on your resource. You can activate the historic maps or change the basemaps to explore further.
• If you have the necessary privileges, you'll also see an Edit button, which will take you to the data entry forms.

Once you have queried the database, you can export the results to the following formats by clicking on Tools.

• .KML This is the spatial data format used and created by Google Earth, an easy-to-use free mapping program. Google Earth includes 3-dimensional elevation data, so if you are interested in seeing resources in a 3-dimensional environment, just export your results and open the output file in Google Earth.
• .CSV A Comma Separated Values file is a simple text file that can be opened as a spreadsheet in MS Excel, or read as a text file in any text editing software.
• .SHP Shapefiles are the "industry standard" format for the exchange of spatial data, and can be viewed with all standard GIS software, such as Quantum GIS (free), or ArcGIS Desktop (not free).