Ask the right questions to secure the right Arc talent among an increasingly shrinking pool of talent.

Arc is a programming language, developed by Paul Graham and Robert Morris in 2008. It's a dialect of Lisp, designed for exploratory programming and emphasizing simplicity over formal structure. The language was created as an experiment in how minimalist a practical language could be, focusing on expressive power rather than raw performance. Arc is open-source and its implementation is available under the Artistic License 2.0. Its development has been discussed extensively on the online forum Hacker News, which was originally written in Arc.

First 20 minutes

General Arc knowledge and experience

The next 20 minutes of the interview should attempt to focus more specifically on the development questions used, and the level of depth and skill the engineer possesses.

How would you handle data conversion in ArcGIS?

ArcGIS provides a variety of tools and capabilities for data conversion. This includes tools for converting data between different formats, such as shapefiles, geodatabases, and CSV files, as well as tools for converting data between different coordinate systems.

Describe the difference between ArcMap and ArcCatalog.

ArcMap is the main component used for map creation and geographic data analysis, while ArcCatalog is used for data management, including browsing, searching, and organizing data.

What are the key components of ArcGIS?

The key components of ArcGIS include ArcMap, ArcCatalog, ArcToolbox, ArcScene, and ArcGlobe. Each of these components serves a specific purpose and provides specific capabilities.

How would you use ArcGIS for data visualization?

ArcGIS provides a rich set of tools and capabilities for visualizing data. This includes creating various types of maps, such as thematic maps, heat maps, and 3D maps. It also includes creating various types of charts and graphs, such as bar charts, pie charts, and scatter plots.

Can you explain what ArcGIS is?

ArcGIS is a geographic information system (GIS) for working with maps and geographic information maintained by the Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri). It is used for creating and using maps, compiling geographic data, analyzing mapped information, sharing and discovering geographic information, using maps and geographic information in a range of applications, and managing geographic information in a database.

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What youre looking for early-on

Has the candidate shown an ability to manage time and prioritize tasks?

Arc development projects often have tight deadlines. A candidate who can manage their time well will be more likely to meet these deadlines.

Does the candidate demonstrate good communication skills?

Arc developers need to communicate effectively with team members, stakeholders, and sometimes clients. Good communication skills are therefore essential.

Has the candidate discussed their experience with programming languages like Python or JavaScript?

These languages are commonly used in Arc development. Proficiency in these areas can indicate a strong candidate.

Is there evidence of the candidate's ability to work in a team?

Arc development often involves collaboration. A candidate who can work well in a team will be more likely to contribute positively to projects.

Has the candidate shown problem-solving skills?

Arc developers often encounter complex issues that require innovative solutions. Their ability to problem solve is critical.

Does the candidate demonstrate a deep understanding of ArcGIS platform?

This is crucial because ArcGIS is a key tool for Arc developers. They should be familiar with its features and capabilities.

Next 20 minutes

Specific Arc development questions

The next 20 minutes of the interview should attempt to focus more specifically on the development questions used, and the level of depth and skill the engineer possesses.

How would you handle large datasets in ArcGIS?

ArcGIS provides a variety of tools and techniques for handling large datasets. This includes using geodatabases for efficient data storage and management, using map layers for efficient data visualization, and using geoprocessing tools for efficient data analysis.

Describe the difference between vector and raster data in ArcGIS.

Vector data represents geographic features as points, lines, and polygons, while raster data represents geographic features as grid cells. Vector data is used for representing discrete features, such as roads and buildings, while raster data is used for representing continuous features, such as elevation or temperature.

What is a geodatabase and how would you use it in ArcGIS?

A geodatabase is a database that is used to store, query, and manipulate geographic information and spatial data. In ArcGIS, geodatabases are used to manage and organize data, to perform complex queries and analysis, and to create and edit geographic features.

How would you perform spatial analysis in ArcGIS?

ArcGIS provides a rich set of tools for spatial analysis. This includes tools for analyzing patterns, mapping clusters, measuring geographic distributions, and modeling spatial relationships. These tools can be used to answer geographic questions and to make predictions or decisions based on spatial data.

What is geocoding and how would you use it in ArcGIS?

Geocoding is the process of converting addresses into geographic coordinates, which can then be used to create maps. In ArcGIS, geocoding is used to create point features from address data, to display the location of an address on a map, or to create routes and directions.

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A skilled Arc engineer should demonstrate proficiency in ArcGIS software, ability to manage spatial data, and strong problem-solving skills. Red flags would include a lack of specific examples of past work, unclear communication, or unfamiliarity with standard industry tools and practices.

Digging deeper

Code questions

These will help you see the candidate's real-world development capabilities with Arc.

What does the following simple Arc code do?(def add (a b) (+ a b))
This code defines a function named 'add' that takes two parameters 'a' and 'b'. The function returns the sum of 'a' and 'b'.
What will be the output of the following Arc code?(= x '(1 2 3)) (pop x)
The output of this code will be '1'. The '= x '(1 2 3)' part assigns the list '(1 2 3)' to the variable 'x'. The 'pop x' part removes and returns the first element of the list stored in 'x', which is '1'.
What does the following Arc code do?(def map (f xs) (if (no xs) nil (cons (f (car xs)) (map f (cdr xs)))))
This code defines a function named 'map' that takes a function 'f' and a list 'xs' as parameters. The function applies 'f' to every element of 'xs' and returns a new list with the results. If 'xs' is empty, the function returns 'nil'.
What does the following Arc code do?(def atomic-increment (x) (atomic (assign x (+ x 1))))
This code defines a function named 'atomic-increment' that takes a variable 'x' as a parameter. The function atomically increments the value of 'x' by 1. The 'atomic' function ensures that the increment operation is thread-safe.
What does the following Arc code do?(defclass Point x y) (def p (new Point 1 2))
This code defines a class named 'Point' with two fields 'x' and 'y'. Then it creates a new instance of 'Point' with 'x' set to 1 and 'y' set to 2, and assigns this instance to the variable 'p'.
What does the following advanced Arc code do?(def compose (f g) (fn args (f (apply g args))))
This code defines a function named 'compose' that takes two functions 'f' and 'g' as parameters. The function returns a new function that, when called with some arguments, applies 'g' to those arguments and then applies 'f' to the result. This is a way to create a composition of two functions.

Wrap-up questions

Final candidate for Arc role questions

The final few interview questions for a Arc candidate should typically focus on a combination of technical skills, personal goals, growth potential, team dynamics, and company culture.

What are some advanced features of ArcGIS that you have used?

Some advanced features of ArcGIS that I have used include the ModelBuilder for automating geoprocessing tasks, the Python scripting interface for customizing and extending ArcGIS, and the 3D Analyst extension for creating and analyzing 3D data.

How would you handle data quality issues in ArcGIS?

ArcGIS provides a variety of tools and techniques for handling data quality issues. This includes tools for checking and validating data, tools for cleaning and correcting data, and tools for managing metadata to ensure data integrity and accuracy.

Describe the difference between a shapefile and a feature class in ArcGIS.

A shapefile is a simple, non-topological format for storing geometric location and attribute information of geographic features, while a feature class is a collection of geographic features with the same geometry type and the same attribute fields, stored in a geodatabase.

How would you perform network analysis in ArcGIS?

ArcGIS provides a set of tools for network analysis, which is used to analyze and model the behavior of networks, such as transportation networks or utility networks. This includes tools for finding the shortest path, finding the closest facility, or performing service area analysis.

What is a map projection and how would you handle it in ArcGIS?

A map projection is a mathematical formula used to represent the three-dimensional surface of the earth on a two-dimensional map. In ArcGIS, map projections are used to display geographic data in a way that is appropriate for the scale and purpose of the map.

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Arc application related

Product Perfect's Arc development capabilities

Beyond hiring for your Arc engineering team, you may be in the market for additional help. Product Perfect provides seasoned expertise in Arc projects, and can engage in multiple capacities.

Arc Consultive assessments

Arc Application Conversion Assessment Arc Application Integration Assessment Arc Data & Database Integration Assessment

Custom Arc development projects

Custom Arc App Conversion Arc Custom App Development Process App UI Design for Arc Facelifts

Arc Developer Hiring Guide

Hiring Guide for Arc Engineers

First 20 minutes

General Arc knowledge and experience

How would you handle data conversion in ArcGIS?

Describe the difference between ArcMap and ArcCatalog.

What are the key components of ArcGIS?

How would you use ArcGIS for data visualization?

Can you explain what ArcGIS is?

What youre looking for early-on

Has the candidate shown an ability to manage time and prioritize tasks?

Does the candidate demonstrate good communication skills?

Has the candidate discussed their experience with programming languages like Python or JavaScript?

Is there evidence of the candidate's ability to work in a team?

Has the candidate shown problem-solving skills?

Does the candidate demonstrate a deep understanding of ArcGIS platform?

Next 20 minutes

Specific Arc development questions

How would you handle large datasets in ArcGIS?

Describe the difference between vector and raster data in ArcGIS.

What is a geodatabase and how would you use it in ArcGIS?

How would you perform spatial analysis in ArcGIS?

What is geocoding and how would you use it in ArcGIS?

The ideal back-end app developer

What you’re looking to see on the Arc engineer at this point.

What does the following simple Arc code do?

This code defines a function named 'add' that takes two parameters 'a' and 'b'. The function returns the sum of 'a' and 'b'.

What will be the output of the following Arc code?

The output of this code will be '1'. The '= x '(1 2 3)' part assigns the list '(1 2 3)' to the variable 'x'. The 'pop x' part removes and returns the first element of the list stored in 'x', which is '1'.

What does the following Arc code do?

This code defines a function named 'map' that takes a function 'f' and a list 'xs' as parameters. The function applies 'f' to every element of 'xs' and returns a new list with the results. If 'xs' is empty, the function returns 'nil'.

What does the following Arc code do?

This code defines a function named 'atomic-increment' that takes a variable 'x' as a parameter. The function atomically increments the value of 'x' by 1. The 'atomic' function ensures that the increment operation is thread-safe.

What does the following Arc code do?

This code defines a class named 'Point' with two fields 'x' and 'y'. Then it creates a new instance of 'Point' with 'x' set to 1 and 'y' set to 2, and assigns this instance to the variable 'p'.

What does the following advanced Arc code do?

This code defines a function named 'compose' that takes two functions 'f' and 'g' as parameters. The function returns a new function that, when called with some arguments, applies 'g' to those arguments and then applies 'f' to the result. This is a way to create a composition of two functions.

Wrap-up questions

Final candidate for Arc role questions

What are some advanced features of ArcGIS that you have used?

How would you handle data quality issues in ArcGIS?

Describe the difference between a shapefile and a feature class in ArcGIS.

How would you perform network analysis in ArcGIS?

What is a map projection and how would you handle it in ArcGIS?

Arc Consultive assessments

Custom Arc development projects