ArcGIS Basics
ArcGIS is not just one program. The ESRI website defines ArcGIS as "an integrated collection of GIS software products for building a complete GIS for your organization. The ArcGIS framework enables you to deploy GIS functionality and business logic wherever it is needed—in desktops, servers (including the Web), or mobile information systems."
In other words, ArcGIS is a group of programs used in conjunction with one another. There are six types of programs that make up ArcGIS: Desktop GIS Products, Server GIS, Embedded GIS, Mobile GIS, Web Services, and Extension programs (these links will take you offsite to ESRI pages that describe these programs in more detail). The majority of users only need to be familiar with the desktop GIS products. While the previous links explain what these types of programs do, this site is dedicated to providding information about the desktop GIS programs (ArcCatalog, ArcMAP, ArcScene, and ArcReader).
Most ArcGIS users will need to become familiar with the two main interfaces: ArcCatalog and ArcMap. Since most will use these programs on machines owned by a company or educational institution, this site won't explain installing the software. However, the following pages will show you one way of setting up these interfaces (AKA workspaces) in order to expediate their use.
There are a number of ways to familiarize yourself with the basic functions of ArcGIS software: (1) purchase the Ormsby et al. book Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop: Basics of ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo from ESRI Press (check prices and availability at Amazon or Barnes and Noble), or (2) take an online course such as Introduction to ArcGIS 9.0 at the ESRI Virtual Campus. The ESRI Virtual Campus is an excellent resource for learning the basics. Also, if you are a student, faculty or staff member, or affiliated with a company which owns a site license for ESRI products, you may qualify for free enrollment in these courses. If you are at a university, check with the ArcGIS administrator for more information (these administrators are typically in the geography, geosciences, or forestry department at your university).
The links below, as well as all tutorials, make use of an ArcEditor license (the 'middle' level license - see Desktop GIS Products for more information). While this site is geared towards teaching ArcGIS skills useful to archaeologists, it is not (at present) designed to teach you how to use ArcGIS from scratch. In other words, try to buy the book or take a class if you dont' have the basic knowledge yet. ;-)
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Last Updated: 26 February 2008