Getting to Know Arcgis

Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop, fifth edition, is a comprehensive introduction to the features and tools of ArcGIS  Desktop. Through hands-on exercises, readers will discover, use, make, and share maps with meaningful content. The latest edition has been updated to the most current version of ArcGIS Desktop. Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop is suited for classroom use, independent study, and as a reference. 

Data for completing the exercises and a 180-day free trial of ArcGIS are available for download at .

Michael Law is a cartographer and GIS professional with more than a decade of experience. He was a cartographer for Esri, where he developed cartography for books, edited and tested GIS workbooks, and was the editor of the Esri Map Book. He continues to work with GIS software, writing technical documentation, teaching training courses, and designing and optimizing user interfaces.

Amy Collins is a writer and editor who has worked with GIS for over fifteen years. She was a technical editor for Esri, where she honed her GIS skills and cultivated an interest in designing effective instructional materials. She continues to develop books on GIS education, among other projects.