Accompanying DVD-ROM contains project data.

Includes index.

Foreword -- Preface -- What's new in the second edition? -- Lesson 1. Frame the problem and explore the study area -- Frame the problem -- Exercise 1a. Explore the study area -- Exercise 1b. Do exploratory data analysis -- Lesson 2. Preview data -- Exercise 2a. List the data requirements -- Exercise 2b. Examine data -- Exercise 2c. Reframe the problem statement -- Lesson 3. Choose the data -- Exercise 3a. Choose datasets -- Exercise 3b. Choose a coordinate system -- Lesson 4. Build the database -- Exercise 4a. Create a geodatabase -- Exercise 4b. Project a feature class -- Exercise 4c. Convert feature classes -- Exercise 4d. Prepare the city and county data -- Exercise 4e. Prepare the river data -- Exercise 4f. Prepare the park data -- Exercise 4g. Prepare the block group data -- Exercise 4h. Prepare the parcel data -- Lesson 5. Edit data -- Exercise 5a. Edit a feature -- Exercise 5b. Create a new park feature -- Lesson 6. Conduct the analysis -- Exercise 6a. Establish proximity zones -- Exercise 6b. Apply demographic constraints -- Exercise 6c. Select suitable parcels -- Exercise 6d. Clean up the map and geodatabase -- Exercise 6e. Evaluate results -- Lesson 7. Automate the analysis -- Exercise 7a. Set up the model t -- Exercise 7b. Build the model (Part I) -- Exercise 7c. Build the model (Part 2) -- Exercise 7d. Run the model as a tool -- Exercise 7e. Document and share the model -- Lesson 8. Present analysis results -- Exercise 8a. Create the main map -- Exercise 8b. Place inset maps and graphs -- Exercise 8c. Finish the map -- Lesson 9. Share results online -- Appendix A. Analysis issues -- Appendix B. Data and photo credits and data license agreement -- Index.

Understanding GIS: An ArcGIS Project Workbook explains the methods, tools, and processes needed to apply full-scale GIS analysis to a spatially-based problem. This book lets you assume the role of a GIS analyst challenged with finding the best location for a new park along the Los Angeles River in Southern California. The problem is complex: you need vacant land that's close to the river in park-poor urban neighborhoods with lots of families. The book provides the starting data and guidance you need to perform a complete GIS analysis: explore the study area; evaluate the data; build a database; process, edit, and analyze the data; model alternative outcomes; map your findings, and share your results on interactive web maps. Through this process, you develop critical-thinking and geographic problem-solving skills. You also learn to use ArcGIS® 10.1 for Desktop software from Esri®. Understanding GIS: An ArcGIS Project Workbook includes valuable learning materials: Self-paced tutorials. The project is carried out progressively in nine lessons comprising more than thirty exercises. Each exercise has step-by-step instructions, graphics to confirm your results, and explanations of key concepts. ArcGIS 10.1 for Desktop software. The book includes access to a 180-day software trial to perform the analysis. The book's DVD includes starting data for the project. An online Understanding GIS web site includes the book's final lesson in PDF format, "GIS TV" videos that walk you through the exercises in real time, exercise results for each lesson, discussion forums, and links to L.A. River content in ArcGIS Online.