Arc8/9 Migration: Training

As with any new software version or upgrade, some level of additional training is generally necessary. As has been previously done, the REGIS Agency will offer its participants with training to ensure users are getting the most out of the system. However, some of the changes involved in the migration will allow users to receive training from external sources yet still be able to operate with the REGIS environment easily with no additional learning curve.

There are generally four types of Arc8 Environment training available to REGIS Users:

ESRI Training
REGIS Training: Organized Classes
REGIS Training: Individualized or On-Site
Books and CDs

ESRI Training

Since the new ArcView 8/9 environment will largely consist of native functionality, REGIS Users will be able to pursue ESRI-authorized and ESRI-led training, if desired, without the need for additional "REGIS-specific" training for the heavy customization found in the existing ArcView 3.3 application. This also means users who have received the standard ESRI ArcView 8.x or ArcGIS training elsewhere will be able to easily apply that training to the new REGIS ArcView 8/9 environment.

For more information on ESRI Training, course pricing and locations, please visit the ESRI Training Website.

REGIS Training: Organized Classes

As in the past, the REGIS Agency remains committed to providing the necessary training to ensure users can utilize the system to its full potential. Based on need and request, REGIS Agency staff will organize and conduct a standardized training course covering ArcView 9/ArcGIS 9 basics as well as a tour of the ArcIMS environment.

Please contact Chris Bessert at (616) 776-7616 or bessertc@gvmc.org for all training inquiries. You may also check the REGIS Calendar to see if any training classes have already been scheduled.

REGIS Training: Individualized and On-Site

In addition to providing structured courses offered at the REGIS Agency offices, Agency staff also conduct one-on-one, individualized sessions as well as on-site classes, depending on the needs of the participant community and individual user. These courses can be customized to fit the type of user being trained, can be community-centric or both.

Please contact Chris Bessert at (616) 776-7616 or bessertc@gvmc.org for all individualized or on-site training inquiries.

Books & CDs

A wealth of ESRI-specific GIS publications exist in both printed and electronic format. In the past, REGIS Users were only able to use such publications to gain a general understanding of GIS and ArcView, but still had to attend a REGIS-specific training course in order to make sense of the myriad of customizations within REGIS ArcView.

However, in the ArcView 8/9 environment, such customizations have been kept to a minimum. This renders GIS and ESRI-related books, manuals and CDs much more useful. The following are links to various bookstores and on-line sources of GIS-related publications which may prove useful in learing about GIS and ESRI products:

ESRI Press - ESRI-related books and publications
Schuler Books & Music - locations in Grand Rapids and Walker
Barnes & Noble - locations in Kentwood and Grandville
Amazon.com