Preface

      The title sums it up: this book is for those who want to get to know ArcGIS^® Pro—a new generation of GIS software from Esri. Whether you are a student in an introductory GIS course, an at-home learner who wants to build a foundational knowledge of GIS, or a professional who is considering adding GIS to your arsenal, this book is for you. No prior GIS software knowledge is required or assumed. This book is also suitable for those who are used to a different GIS product and want to see how to do familiar tasks in a new environment.

      The primary focus is, naturally, ArcGIS Pro, but because of the integrated design of the ArcGIS platform, other ArcGIS components are incorporated as well, such as ArcGIS Online and some mobile apps. ArcGIS Online is integrated into most of the chapters with the use of web-serviced basemaps. In light of this feature, an internet connection is strongly recommended.

      A word about scope—although this workbook is designed to provide a broad overview of ArcGIS Pro, a truly comprehensive manual would be massive. Instead, we aim to provide a diverse sampling of industries, scenarios, and workflows that highlight the broad appeal and many core functions offered by GIS and ArcGIS Pro. At the same time, we try to keep the book’s length reasonable—something that a student in a classroom can feasibly complete in a quarter or semester. When you complete this book, you should feel comfortable enough with ArcGIS Pro to start working with it on your own.

      About the third edition

      The third edition has been updated throughout with screenshots and instructions to work with the updated software.

      Book features

      The book has 10 chapters, each containing the following features, which are designed to facilitate an efficient and effective learning process.

      Exercise objectives

      Exercises are composed of learning objectives, which are listed for each chapter and repeated as headings throughout the chapter exercises. Each objective is accomplished by following a sequence of steps. Using objective headings helps break each exercise into logical chunks and provides a reminder of why you are clicking this or that button, option, or command.

      Data list

      In the real world, you do not begin a geospatial analysis project before first gathering relevant data. Therefore, we list the student data, with a brief description of what it is and where it comes from, at the start of each chapter.

      Exercise workflow

      As an expansion of the exercise objectives, each exercise begins with a summary of the workflow, explaining the “what, why, and how” of the upcoming exercise. This description will help you understand the bigger picture, rather than get muddled in a sea of instructions.

      A note about exercise scenarios—many of them are based on actual real-world projects; however, the data and workflows are usually simplified for training purposes. These exercises are meant to teach software and data management skills in a realistic setting; they are not meant to be an authoritative guide to geographic problem solving.

      GIS in the world

      These short sidebars highlight real-world GIS problem solving and offer a link to read more.

      Tips and questions

      Reminders, shortcuts, or alternative approaches are sprinkled throughout each chapter. Questions keep learners actively involved. (Answers can be found in the book’s online resources, go.esri.com/GTKPro2.6Resources.)

      Summary

      The summary offers a brief recap of what you have learned in each chapter.

      Glossary terms

      Shown in colored text, glossary terms are listed at the end of each chapter and defined in the glossary at the end of the book.

      About trial software and exercise data

      To perform the exercises in this book, you need ArcGIS Pro installed on a computer that is running the Windows operating system, an internet connection, and a web browser to access ArcGIS Online.

      You can create a free ArcGIS Online trial account, which includes the authorization to use ArcGIS Pro. For more information about creating an ArcGIS Online trial account, go to www.esri.com/arcgis/trial.

      The exercise data for this book is available for download from an ArcGIS Online group named GTK Pro 2.6, in the Learn ArcGIS organization, available at go.esri.com/GTKPro2.6Data. Save this location in your browser. If you are in class, your instructor will provide directions for downloading the data.

      From the ArcGIS Online group, download the tutorial data file and extract it locally. For more information about other resources, visit go.esri.com/GTKPro2.6Resources.

      TIP Because many of the exercises require users to modify the original data, we recommend that you make a copy of each chapter’s data folder before you start any exercises.

      How to use this book

      Each chapter focuses on a unique project and has its own dataset, so theoretically you can do the chapters in any order. But the book is designed for linear progression—that is, chapter 2 has more explanation and more explicit instruction than chapter 9, in which we assume a more GIS-savvy audience. Also, exercises within chapters typically build on each other, so it is advisable to do all the exercises in a chapter in order. If you cannot complete an exercise successfully, most chapters provide interim data (in a Results folder) so that you can continue with the remaining exercises.

      A note about language

      When we use the word “click,” understand that it can mean either click or tap, depending on whether you are using a mouse, touchpad, or touchscreen computer.

      Acknowledgments

      It takes a village to make a book. We are indebted to many individuals at Esri for contributing to the process. Thanks to everyone at Esri Press. And thank you to all the reviewers and testers of this book. Also, to all the individuals and organizations who provided data, graphics, project scenarios, and advice: thank you. This book would not be what it is without your assistance and generosity. A complete list of data contributors can be found in the appendix.

      And thanks to the GIS learners who purchase this book. We hope you enjoy the third edition of Getting to Know ArcGIS Pro.

      Michael Law

      Toronto, Ontario, Canada

      Amy Collins

      Napa, California

      Chapter 1 Introducing GIS

      Exercise objectives

      1: Explore ArcGIS^® Online