Where to start?

[Zodeac]

I am inrested in learning how to use the ArcGIS system but I have never used this system before and I was told I should get a ESRI certification on it.
What classes do I start with and about how long do you think it will take to learn. I am very good with computers and do some programing so I am a quick learner with computer base software. If you can send me a link or something that would be great.

[tlsilveus]

I would start with the free courses at this site http://training.esri.com/gateway/index.cfm first and then decide from there what you want to do next.

[Law]

Hi Zodeac,

Some software tutorial books that include 180-day trial software:

• Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop, Second Edition, Updated for ArcGIS 10
  
• GIS Tutorial 1: Basic Workbook, Fourth Edition
  

Hope this helps,

[Law]

Hi Zodeac,

I just wanted to suggest one more workbook from Esri Press that's more recent:

Understanding GIS: An ArcGIS Project Workbook

Hope this helps,

[peter200285]

Thanks tlsilveus i was also facing same problem, then one of my friend suggest me to firstly join arcgis forum, that is why i am here. Thanks to all who send such a useful resources.

I would start with the free courses at this site http://training.esri.com/gateway/index.cfm first and then decide from there what you want to do next.

[ebowman]

Hi Zodeac,

In addition to the resources listed above, there's a free web course called Getting Started with GIS. Here's the link - http://training.esri.com/gateway/ind...&courseid=1911

Hope this helps.

Eric

[dukaib]

In my case, I am interested in 3D visualisation landscapes and digital terrain modeling. I was asking google for educational material or trainings but with less success. As far as I know, ArcScene and ArcGlobe is used for this purposes, but working in ArcScene is the scale I need.
Does anyone know about any material that covers one or more of the following topics:
create 3D landscape visualisations on local and regional scale,
working with Sketchup or other 3D modelling software alongside ArcGIS,
rendering from ArcScene (?)

Maybe I am just not aware of the matching keywords or vocabulary what I am looking for...

Any help is welcome!

[Law]

Hi Balázs,

... Does anyone know about any material that covers one or more of the following topics:
- create 3D landscape visualisations on local and regional scale,
- working with Sketchup or other 3D modelling software alongside ArcGIS,
- rendering from ArcScene (?)

FYI, some Esri related training on this topic:

• 3D Visualization Techniques Using ArcGIS 10
• Learning ArcGIS 3D Analyst
• Creating 3D Data Using ArcGIS 10
• 3D Analysis of Surfaces and Features Using ArcGIS 10

Hope this helps,

[dukaib]

Hi Derek,

thank you for the clarification. I was uncertain whether I need those courses for my goals or not.