New GIS and ArcGIS Desktop Training Series Introduced

Geographic information system (GIS) users can learn the basics of ESRI's most recent software via a new instructor-led course curriculum. ESRI's ArcGIS Desktop Foundational Training series teaches the fundamentals of GIS and ArcGIS Desktop software as well as workflows for using GIS to solve problems and answer geographic questions.

The ArcGIS Desktop Foundational Training series contains three instructor-led courses:

* ArcGIS Desktop I: Getting Started with GIS is designed for those with no GIS background. This course provides a foundation for understanding what GIS is and why organizations are using it. It teaches how to use ArcMap to visualize geographic data, create maps, query a GIS database, analyze data using common analysis tools, and solve geographic problems using a systematic approach.

* ArcGIS Desktop II: Tools and Functionality is designed for those with an education in or workplace experience with GIS.

This course teaches the range of functionality available in ArcGIS Desktop and the essential tools for visualizing, creating, managing, and analyzing geographic data.

* ArcGIS Desktop III: GIS Workflows and Analysis

This course shows how to apply GIS tools to solve geographic problems, with a focus on working with data stored in a geodatabase and performing geoprocessing and analysis.

The ArcGIS Foundational Training wizard can help you find the type of courses suitable for your experience level. Enter information about your GIS knowledge, ArcGIS skills, and job responsibilities, and the wizard provides training recommendations.

Participants can attend classes at one of ESRI's learning centers or host a class at their work site. Entry-level students who prefer online training can take ESRI's Getting Started with GIS.

This free, self-paced Web course teaches the basic concepts of GIS in a rich multimedia learning environment that is ideal for those with a limited amount of time for training.

For more information about the ArcGIS Desktop Foundational Training series and training wizard, visit www.esri.com/foundation.