Introducing Geographic Information Systems with ArcGIS, Second Edition serves as both an easy-to-understand introduction to GIS and a hands-on manual for the ArcGIS 9.3 software. This combination theory-workbook approach is designed to quickly bring the reader from GIS neophyte to well-informed GIS user from both a general knowledge and practical viewpoint.

Replacing the traditional separate texts on theory and application, the book integrates a broad introduction to GIS with a software-specific workbook for ESRIs ArcGIS in a single comprehensive volume.¿Easy to read, interesting, and at times quite amusing, the new edition is even more accessible to a wide variety of readers.

Each chapter presents two mutually supporting sections:

Overview- a discussion of theory and ideas relating to GIS, laying the groundwork for spatial analysis

Step-by-step instructions on how to use ArcGIS software. There are sixty exercises and nine review exercises throughout the book, covering most of the topics students need to gain GIS jobs or continue work in GIS or GIScience

Complete with a CD-ROM containing data for working out all of the exercises, this Second Edition provides an updated examination of file geodatabases including vector, raster, and 3D GIS with terrains. On completion of this text, students will have acquired in-depth understanding of GIS theory and how to operate the ArcGIS software. They will have been exposed, through additional hands-on demonstrations, to virtually everything about GIS that supports spatial analysis.

Written by an author with over thirty years of experience writing software manuals, Introducing Geographic Information Systems with ArcGIS, Second Edition puts readers on the quick road to mastery of GIS.