Now that we've learned about coordinate systems used in GIS, we will begin exploring data organization concepts and the basic functions of ArcGIS. In this section, we will explore data organization concepts and the basic functions of ArcGIS, which are critical for understanding how to efficiently use GIS technologies. As mentioned in the introduction to the attribute tables section, it's common for students to feel challenged by GIS software, making the reading somewhat difficult. Many students succeed by engaging with the software before tackling it in the classroom, rather than reading about it afterward. Familiarity with the software can significantly reduce feelings of overwhelm during your first exposure. It is suggested that you look over this chapter and passively watch the "Meet ArcGIS Pro Catalog View" and "Meet ArcGIS Pro Map View" videos, then after you've started the first lab, come back and watch the "Meet ArcGIS Pro ..." videos in a more active manner. This approach allows you to recognize the interface, hear its features described, and get some hands-on practice, setting up clearer explanations later. Learning ArcGIS software can be challenging, especially if you entered this class without prior experience. This chapter is attempting to ease you into the software slowly to help you acclimate with as little pain as possible. Just like learning about geoids, reference ellipsoids, and coordinate systems for the first time, it is understood that coming into this class, you most likely put ArcGIS in the "it makes maps and, uh, stuff" category, versus a software like Microsoft Word, where you have a generally clear understanding of what the software does, how to do it, and what it produces before you've even sat down to it a single time.
With that, let's start by taking a look at some basic ideas of data organization, why establishing and using a organizational data model is important, and look at a bit of the software before the first lab.