Book excerpt: Bradley Shellito’s new textbook uses hands-on experience to introduce both the “how” and “why” of geographic information systems. Students learn to combine an understanding of basic GIS concepts with practical ArcGIS skills, following step-by-step instructions to accomplish a wide range of real-world tasks and applications while always keeping sight on the conceptual basis and practical impact of what they are doing. Discovering GIS and ArcGIS is appropriate for introductory GIS courses, or advanced or applied GIS courses. Instructors will find the coverage they need for a single intro-level course, a single advanced or applied course, or a two-course sequence.