Introduction
This lab will serve as an introduction to GIS using ArcMap. This lab will also offer the
opportunity to get your feet wet – though we will not throw you in the deep end – in
problem solving with a Geographic Information System.
The lab will have two parts. The first part involves working through Chapter 2 in Mastering
ArcGIS. The second part involves apply the ArcGIS skills presented in the book to solving a
“real-world” problem.
ArcMap has a sophisticated, yet relatively easy to use, approach for symbolizing, classifying
and labeling maps. Most importantly, it was designed with proper cartographic principles in
mind. With a little practice, you can create high-quality maps. While the software enables the
production of high-quality maps, it is up to you, the GIS user, to understand and correctly
apply fundamental cartographic principles in map making.
Remember, the map is the basic vehicle for communicating geographic information. You
want your maps, not only to be aesthetically pleasing, but convey your message in an easily
understandable manner.
Part 1 – Mastering ArcGIS
The first part of this lab is composed of reading and working your way through the book
Mastering ArcGIS. This book presents the basics of the ArcGIS™ desktop as well as
introduces basic GIS concepts in the context of learning to use this particular GIS. While
ArcGIS is probably the world’s leading GIS software, it is my intent that this class will teach
GIS problem solving skills that you can apply to other GIS software.
For this lab, you are expected to read the
Mastering the Concepts
section through and do
the
Teaching Tutorial
in Chapter 2. As you work through the exercises you need to be
sure to understand what the exercises are trying to teach – do not simply treat it as a
cookbook. You will be expected to apply the concepts that are presented in the workbook to
solving a “real-world” problem with GIS.
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