Every time we use navigation on our smartphones, look up the nearest gas station, or decide where to vacation to, we are using a Geographic Information System (GIS). As its name suggests, GIS is a system that is capable of collecting, analyzing, storing, and visualizing geographic or spatial data to provide solutions to real world problems. It helps understand patterns, distributions, and relationships of geographic phenomena. It is the how behind the what and where.

“Introduction to Geographic Information Systems: a workbook” is an introductory workbook for learning geographic information systems with ArcGIS Pro. Designed for use in classrooms or for self-learners, this workbook integrates key concepts behind the technology with step-by-step exercises using real-world data. The workbook presents essential GIS tools and functionalities, including creating thematic maps with effective symbology, editing vector data, managing data attributes, delivering dynamic map design, displaying GPS data, analyzing aerial imageries, and more. This book will also be useful for those who are transitioning from ArcMap to ArcGIS Pro in classrooms, workplaces, or beyond.

Data for completing the exercises is available for download from the “Lab Data Download” page within this publication.