To provide users with a solid foundation of training that suits their varied levels of GIS knowledge and proficiency with ArcGIS software, Esri currently offers three instructor-led ArcGIS Desktop training courses: Learning GIS Using ArcGIS Desktop, Introduction to ArcGIS I, and Introduction to ArcGIS II. With the release of ArcGIS 9.3 in 2008, these classes will be redesigned and renamed ArcGIS Desktop I: Getting Started with GIS, ArcGIS Desktop II: Tools and Functionality, and ArcGIS Desktop III: GIS Workflows and Analysis.

These classes are being redesigned to more closely build on one another. This structure will enable students to more easily evaluate where they should begin in the series and move through these courses sequentially as their GIS skills and knowledge develop. The third course in the series will expand to dive deeper into problem solving with GIS with topics such as how to build successful GIS workflows. The series is intended to provide the training path users need to get up and running and be successful with ArcGIS software.

Getting Started with GIS, currently known as Learning GIS Using ArcGIS Desktop, is designed for those who are new to GIS and ArcGIS software, including people who manage GIS users but do not use GIS software themselves. Students learn the fundamental concepts and functions of GIS, which makes this course a good choice for those who would like to take more advanced ArcGIS Desktop courses or would simply like to understand more about how GIS fits into their organizations.

"This course is outstanding, with great content and a logical progression," says Matthew Roberts, emergency response coordinator, Illinois Department of Public Health, about Learning GIS Using ArcGIS Desktop.

In spring 2008, Getting Started with GIS will be available as a free self-study Web course through Esri's Virtual Campus. This online course will expand on the current Web course model to include interactive elements, such as simulations and Flash-based movies. Making this course available online provides another training option for users who prefer to study at their own pace or have limited resources for travel and educational expenses.

"This is a whole new way of learning about GIS," says Jack Dangermond, Esri president. "The interactive and highly visual nature of this format will offer people a more dynamic way to learn about taking a geographic approach to their work."

ArcGIS Desktop II: Tools and Functionality (currently Introduction to ArcGIS I) is designed for those who have learned about GIS in school or in the workplace and understand basic GIS concepts but don't have ArcGIS software experience. This course teaches students about the range of functionality available in the software and the essential tools for visualizing, creating, managing, and analyzing geographic data.

ArcGIS Desktop III: GIS Workflows and Analysis (currently Introduction to ArcGIS II) builds on the other two ArcGIS Desktop courses to give students an understanding of how and when to apply ArcGIS tools and functions to create efficient GIS workflows. Course exercises give students a chance to organize and edit data in a geodatabase, prepare data for analysis, create and edit geoprocessing models, and work through a challenging analysis project.

More Information

For more information on Esri training, visit www.esri.com/training.