Introducing Geographic Information Systems with ArcGIS: A Workbook Approach to Learning GIS, 3rd Edition

Foreword

by Jack Dangermond

Introducing Geographic Information Systems with ArcGIS offers a unique approach to GIS instruction. In it, Michael Kennedy re-creates his time-tested methods of teaching GIS in the classroom in a step-by-step guidebook to GIS. Students on a journey to learn GIS with Professor Kennedy may feel like he is taking the journey with them, offering them his sage advice each step of the way. Professor Kennedy cares deeply for his students, and the detail of this care and years of teaching GIS come through in this book. In it, he walks students through the multitude of questions that come up daily in the classroom. His goal is to help students understand GIS concepts and learn GIS skills. It takes a master teacher to map GIS knowledge, making it clear to students and enabling them to gain confidence in their growing skills.

Once GIS students have learned the basics, the next step is to learn how to analyze spatial data and identify problems and create solutions. Learning to analyze spatial data moves students beyond exploration, beyond locating places on maps, and helps them create maps that guide better decisions.

All of us learn GIS skills in different ways. Some people are visual learners, some are auditory learners, and some need a hands-on approach. As the learning styles of students in general vary, so do the learning needs of students of GIS. Some students will need classroom study, with conversations and time to process information about GIS concepts, ...