Overview
Desktop GIS applications are the comprehensive geospatial software. They are used to create and implement powerful geospatial workflows and advanced analysis, support technical cartography, and allow users to create and customize static map layouts in many different ways. Users can also integrate many types of spatial and nonspatial data into their projects, including imagery, shapefiles, table-data, GeoJSons, and XY data. ArcGIS Pro also supports 3D vsiaulization of geospatial data and communicates with ArcGIS Online and other web applications to produce interactive maps and mapping applications.
Learning Desktop GIS by yourself can be difficult, due to the technical nature of the software, but is possible! This page compiles a few resources to help you get started or continue on your GIS journey.
ArcGIS Pro
ArcGIS Pro is ESRI's flagship desktop GIS software. In addition to its mapping capabilities, it integrates with ArcGIS online, and supports geospatial analysis using python.
- If you are a student, staff, or faculty at UConn or a Connecticut public higher education institution (state or community college), visit esri.uconn.edu and contact Rich Mrozinski to access your site licence.
- ArcGIS Pro runs best on Windows-based machines.
ArcMap
ArcMap is the older ESRI ArcGIS desktop application that is currently in mature support. It is highly reccomended to use ArcGIS pro for all GIS projects. UConn no longer supports the installation or use of ArcMap, and ArcMap will be retired by ESRI on March 1st, 2026.
- Migrating from ArcMap to ArcGIS ProFor more information, check out this tutorial from ESRI, which walks you through the basics of migrating content from ArcMap to ArcGIS Pro.
Get Started with ArcGIS Pro
To get started with ArcGIS Pro, check out the following materials from ESRI:
- Introducing ArcGIS ProA webpage of quick-start tutorials for learning the many functionalities of ArcGIS Pro.
- ArcGIS Pro BasicsA free webcourse from ESRI Academy that introduces the software's basic functions and interface.
- ArcGIS Pro: An IntroductionA recording of a technical workshop from the Esri User Conference 2022 that introduces the basic fundamentals of ArcGIS Pro.
Overview of the ArcGIS Pro Interface:
Library Resources for Learning ArcGIS Pro
Top 20 essential skills for ArcGIS ProISBN: 1589487516With its location data advantage, geographic information system (GIS) software is a tool to help with key projects, decisions, and problems. But how do you start using GIS in your projects? If you need a fast track to using this valuable tool, learn and get experience with Top 20 Essential Skills for ArcGIS Pro. With this book, you can start using ArcGIS Pro quickly and successfully. Easy to understand, step-by-step exercises. Conversational, upbeat language with lots of illustrations and tips. Interesting user stories covering how GIS is applied in many situations. Exercises for working with spatial data, creating maps, and doing basic analysis.
GIS tutorial for ArcGIS Pro 3.1ISBN: 1589487400This classic ArcGIS ® exercise book has been revised and streamlined to help you learn the latest ArcGIS Pro tools and workflows.
GIS Tutorial for ArcGIS Pro 3.1 is the book of choice for classrooms and self-learners seeking to develop their expertise with Esri's premier desktop geographic information system (GIS) technology--no prior experience is necessary.
ArcGIS Pro 3. x Cookbook by ISBN: 1837631700Publication Date: 2024-05-03Leverage the powerful tools in Esri's ArcGIS Pro to perform geospatial analysis. Harness the power of ArcGIS Pro to build informative maps showcasing your GIS data. Analyze geospatial data through proximity, spatial statistics, and hotspot analysis. Increase data entry efficiency and quality with advanced geodatabase behavior. ArcGIS Pro, Esri's newest desktop GIS application, offers powerful tools for visualizing, maintaining, and analyzing data. This cookbook will help existing ArcMap users transition to ArcGIS Pro and teach new users how to utilize its GIS tools effectively. You'll learn how to create geodatabases, convert data formats, link tables from outside sources, edit 2D and 3D data, ensure data integrity with topology, and enable advanced geodatabase behavior. By the end, you'll be able to effectively use ArcGIS Pro as your primary desktop GIS application, maintaining, analyzing, and displaying data using common methods and tools.
