The Interface & Project Setup
Navigate the ArcGIS Pro ribbon, connect to folders, and set up your first project without getting lost in the menus.
The Basics of ArcGIS® Pro
A self-paced course
Make your first professional map in ArcGIS® Pro — even if you've never opened GIS software before.
Read before you scroll
Course price: $67, one time — Lifetime access to all lessons and updates.
Software: not included — You'll need ArcGIS Pro, licensed separately by Esri. Personal-use licenses start around $100/yr; you may have free access through your employer or school.
Time to complete — 4-6 hours, 5 lessons.
30‑day refund.
Before you enroll
Is this the right course for you?
This course is for you if...
You need to make professional maps for work or school but don't know where to start.
You've tried opening ArcGIS Pro and felt overwhelmed by the interface.
You want a structured, step-by-step project rather than scattered tutorials.
Look elsewhere if...
- You are already comfortable creating layouts and running geoprocessing tools in Pro.
- You're looking for advanced spatial analysis or Python scripting (ArcPy).
- You want to learn QGIS, ArcGIS Online, or older ArcMap software.
Who's teaching you
Meet your instructor
Matt Fremont
GIS Analyst & Cartographer
I've spent the last twenty years building maps for environmental agencies, urban planners, and researchers. When I first learned GIS, I was overwhelmed by the interface and the sheer number of tools. I built this course to be the exact starting point I wish I had—skipping the unnecessary theory and focusing strictly on how to make a clean, professional map.
20+ years of Geographic Information Systems experience
Cartographer / National Geographic Society
GIS Analyst
Professor of Geography
500+ satisfied students
What's inside
Five lessons, one finished map
Each lesson builds directly on the last — by lesson 5 you'll have a complete, professional map of your own.
01
02
Creating & Adding Data
Source high-quality, free spatial data and correctly import vector and raster files into your map document.
03
Conducting Simple Analysis
Learn the most commonly used editing tools, such as clip and merge.
04
Symbolize and Label a Map
Set up label classes, a legend, scale bar, and north arrow.
05
Share & Print a Map
Assemble your final map, then export a high-resolution PDF or an online map to share with others.
FROM PAST STUDENTS
What people built with it
"I had no idea how to make a map yesterday. Today I printed a 24x36 poster of my study area. The step-by-step nature is exactly what I needed."
Sarah J.
Environmental Scientist
"Finally a course that doesn't start with 5 hours of theory. We were clicking buttons and making things in the first 15 minutes."
Mark T.
Urban Planner
"Straightforward, well-paced, and genuinely useful without making me feel overwhelmed."
Elena R.
Graduate Student
About the ArcGIS Pro license
Software is not included
We are not representatives of Esri. ArcGIS is used for many professional and educational institutions, which is why we have developed this course. There is a variety of great freeware available, which we fully support as well. To complete this course, you will need access to ArcGIS Pro (version 2.8 or newer). We do not sell or provide the software license. Here is how most people get access:
Can I try before I buy a license?
Yes, Esri offers a 21-day free trial of ArcGIS Pro. Many students use this trial period to complete the course project before committing to an annual license.
Does this course work with QGIS instead?
No. While the cartographic principles apply anywhere, this course is a step-by-step technical guide built specifically around the ArcGIS Pro interface and toolset.
What if it's not for me?
We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you decide the course isn't a good fit, just email us within 30 days of purchase for a full refund—no questions asked.
READY WHEN YOU ARE
Build your first map this week
Five lessons, lifetime access. Start today.
✓ 30-day money-back guarantee