The textbook for the first half of this course is Getting to Know ArcView GIS ("GTKAV"). You need it to learn how to use the course software, ArcView.
| The book is elementary. Do not let that fool you. ArcView acts almost like four programs in one--it has four separate interfaces, of which two provide extensive visualization, geographic analysis, and database capabilities. Familiarity with this wealth of features creates familiarity with what a GIS is, how it works, and how to manage it. |
| You can work through the book yourself. That is encouraged. Presentations and in-class laboratory sessions will go over major parts of this book, using them as points of departure for extended discussions about the underlying technology, design issues, and so on. |
| The book is not needed until the second class meeting. The introductory material does not require it. |
| The book comes with a CD. The CD contains a full-featured version of ArcView. However, this version does not act on your data (only on tutorial data) and it cannot be extended to include Spatial Analyst, which is the core software for the second half of the course. Therefore, the CD will be useful (installed on a work or home computer) for the first half of the course but not for the second. |
| The course outline parallels the book and includes references to relevant chapters. You will learn better if you have attempted the exercises in the relevant chapters before each class meeting or presentation. |