Are You New to GIS?
Ten Tips for Learning More about GIS

If you are just starting to use GIS, you will be happy to learn that there are many resources, often available at no charge, that will help you quickly become proficient and productive. The following suggestions will get you pointed in the right direction.

1. Visit GIS.com.
   Learn the basic principles of GIS at www.gis.com. This informative site provides a great introduction to GIS and has links to additional resources.
2. Subscribe to ArcUser and ArcNews.
   Read ArcUser to learn how to use GIS more effectively. Subscribe online. GIS is a rapidly evolving field. Read ArcNews, the world's largest circulation GIS publication, to learn about what is going on in GIS and where the industry is headed. Subscribe online.
3. Read an introductory book.
   Read Getting to Know ArcGIS or GIS Fundamentals. Both books are available from the GIS Store.
4. Join a list serve.
   Users on ARCVIEW-L and ESRI-L share their expertise. Users post problems or queries and summarize the responses they receive from the online community. In addition to finding the solutions to specific problems, reading the SUM postings will give you some insight into how to solve GIS-related problems.
5. Take a class.
   
   • The Virtual Campus is an online program that is available to you 24/7 and features courses on using specific software programs, GIS for specific industries, and GIS science. Free introductory modules let you try before you buy. Learn at your own pace at a very modest cost.
   • Find out about GIS programs taught near you. The Higher Education page has a seachable college database to help you locate community colleges, universities, and extension programs that offer certificate, degree, and internship programs.
   • More than 500 instructors certified through the Authorized Training Program teach classes.
   • The Learning Centers offer hands-on training in a classroom setting.
6. Join a user group.
   These groups, based on geographic location or interest in a particular industry or software program, hold meetings, workshops, and conferences. They are a tremendous way to learn about GIS and meet people in the field at the same time.
7. Visit the support pages at the ESRI Web site.
   Access the latest ESRI software news, downloads, FAQs, and discussion forums from the ESRI Online Support Center Search.
8. Read online help files and work the tutorials.
   In addition to supplying step-by-step instructions for using ESRI software, online help includes information on related concepts that will give you a better understanding of the technology. Most programs come with tutorials and sample data.
9. Visit the Geography Network.
   Access the data you need from this global source. The Geography Network also includes links to geoservices and GIS solutions.
10. Go to a conference.
    In addition to the annual international conference hosted by ESRI, many regional and state GIS organizations hold their own conferences. All these conferences provide new users with great opportunities to listen to presentations, see demonstrations, ask questions, and get some hands-on experience with a variety of GIS software.