The real guns of GIS come from the ability to integrate spatial information with higher end statistical and analytical processes to derive spatial patterns not readily apparent to the observer.   As wonderful as this part of GIS may be, the power of straightforward mapping should not be overlooked. Preliminary mapping of phenomenon can often help guide the way to the sort of variables needed to analyze spatial events. Indeed, the origins of GIS were in the overlay method. This method involved the mapping of spatial events and then overlaying the information to see where overlapping occurred. Before the widespread availability of computers this effect was first achieved through a base paper map and then physically overlaying transparent printouts on top. The government of Canada, which can lay claim to the birth of GIS, took this a step further by digitally overlaying spatial information. Read more

On November 19, 1999 thousands of businesses, governments and schools participated in GIS Day. Coming on the tail end of Geography Awareness Week (November 14-20), GIS Day was the first of its kind. Hosted by current users of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) technology, this event was a unique, worldwide effort to bring knowledge and encourage interest in this growing field to millions. Activities portraying the applicability of GIS technology were showcased in the form of demonstrations, map galleries and even through online interaction. The event is being sponsored by the National Geographic Society, the Association of American Geographers, the University Consortium for Geographic Information Science, and ESRI, one of the leaders in GIS software. Read more

Using Avenue, you can easily run Excel Macros from within ArcView. Read more