Introduction to the Starter Kit

The Conservation GIS Starter Kit is a stand alone workbook for the use of geographic information system technology in conservation and environmental issues. The kit contains information on the uses of GIS and actual applications using conservation data and ArcView (version 3) (Users must have their own licensed version of ArcView).

Prior experience with GIS or ArcView is not assumed, however the kit does not contain in-depth explanations of basic GIS concepts and is not meant to serve as a substitute for an introductory GIS text or course. Rather, it is designed to teach the basic concepts and skills needed to begin using ArcView GIS for your conservation projects.

The Kit's ArcView tutorials or Conservation Applications range from basic exercises to more advanced applications. Together, the nine applications cover most of the fundamental features of the ArcView program, but do not illustrate all of its capabilities. Users should also refer to ESRI's "Using ArcView GIS" book, which comes with the ArcView program and covers the full suite of ArcView features, arranged and explained from an easy-to-use, functional viewpoint. The Starter Kit introduces the user to many of the same features in a conservation, application-oriented environment. Together, these references should provide you with the skills necessary to begin using ArcView GIS to creatively and effectively address conservation issues.

Note: The Conservation Applications do not cover Avenue or ArcView 3's extensions (such as the Spatial Analyst, Network Analyst, or Digitizing function). These features are slightly more advanced, and beyond the scope of this Starter Kit. These features also greatly enhance ArcView's analysis capabiltites however, and are worth exploring once you are comfortable with the standard ArcView features and functionality. The Spatial Analyst and Network Analyst are distributed by ESRI separately, and come with their own documentation and set of tutorials. Avenue and several other extensions are provided with ArcView (version 3).

Check out these examples from the Conservation GIS Starter Kit:

• Why use GIS for conservation?
• ArcView Basics

Note: These examples are stored as Abode Acrobat (.pdf) files.  If you do not have the Adobe Acrobat Reader plug-in for your browser, you can get it free from www.adobe.com.