GIS is a multi-faceted discipline built upon many tools and concepts. To really understand the capabilities of GIS, it is important to learn cartography, spatial and statistical analysis, database management and programming. Find starting points to learning about the basics of GIS.

What is GIS?
Explaining what GIS is can not easily be done in a few words or even sentences. Read about the basic premise of what GIS is.

About Elevation
Over hill and dale … what different ways can elevation be depicted? From DEMs to Hypsography, different elevation types described.

Geocoding 101
A basic overview of what geocoding is with a step-by-step example using ArcView. Find out how to map out your addressed databases.

Geodatabases Explained
Unfamiliar with the types of spatial datasets? This is a good introductory article on the different types.

GIS Primer
From Pacific Meridian, a nicely organized primer on the basics of implementing and understanding a GIS.

Glossary
Know what hypsography is? Look up GIS related words and concepts.

Learning GIS
With its multi-faceted approach, learning GIS can seem daunting. Fortunately there are a wealth of approaches you can take to get started. From structured curriculums to distance learning and online tutorials, check here to find out more.

NCGIA Core Curriculum
An informative outline to answer the question of “what is GIS”. From the NCGIS core curriculum series by Michael Goodchild.  While this curriculum dates back to 2000, the underlying base concepts are still very much required learning. 

Orthophotos and GIS
Aerials and orthorectification – it’s all about distortion. Find out how digital imagery can help your GIS.

Power of Mapping
Maps are a powerful tool in spatial analysis, helping problem solvers on many levels.

What’s in a Map?
What really makes a map? Find out the required elements that should be placed on all maps you make.