Some Concepts That Underpin GIS - Introducing Geographic Information Systems with ArcGIS - page 35

CHAPTER 1 STEP-BY-STEP 1

Some Concepts That
Underpin GIS

Exercise 1-2 (Project)

Developing a Fast Facts File for the Information
You Learn

To make this textbook work well for you, I strongly recommend that you create and maintain a Fast Facts
File—a computer text file in which you can record what you learn so that it is at your fingertips. It will
serve you whenever you need to know a particular bit of information or perform an operation. Much of
what you do you will put into your own fast memory (contained in your cranium), but there will be a number
of facts that your fast memory may not contain when you need them. Here's where the Fast Facts File
comes in. It is a computer-based equivalent of a loose-leaf notebook that you continually revise and
update. There's where you should put procedures and concepts you might forget after a couple of weeks
of doing work other than GIS.

For example, you might use the file to note techniques for changing symbology (colors and symbols
that represent features on a map), which are addressed at various points in the text and the
software. You can note the techniques down as you work with them and reorganize them later. The
computer-searchable file helps you find what you need when you need it, even if you fall behind in
organizing.

Periodically reorganize your notes. Occasionally print out the file and put it in a notebook. Periodically
back up the file onto a flash drive, CD-ROM, or e-mail it to yourself. As you progress through this text,
you will develop your own little topic that will aid you in this course and thereafter. Also, because
you write it, it will be organized in a way that meets your needs—both as a tutorial and a reference
document.

1. Use a text editor (e.g., WordPad) or word processor (e.g., Microsoft® Word) to create the Fast
Facts File. Put your name and other contact information in it. Initially include your computer
account name (not your password—put that somewhere else), how to start various software

1 The length of time most students will require to complete the exercises in the Step-by-Step sections can be found in
this textbook in the Preface to the First Edition.