visual basic

This is the book you need to start learning scripting for ArcGIS. It has an introductory chapter teaching about the basics of VB and then the Arc objects themselves. The examples are very clear and easy to follow. A very suitable book for people who doesn't know programming at all.

I'm using this book for a lab section of GeoComputation, and after working through the first few exercises and looking through the rest of the book, I am impressed.

The CD included with the book contains all of the data you'll need to complete the exercises. I found Burke's writing to be fluid and insightful. Each chapter begins with a good overview and background of what will be done. There are many diagrams, as well, so you can see the expected results.

This isn't a programming book in the C++ range. It is a book detailing how to customize and make ArcView 8.x work for you using Visual Basic for Applications. Recommended. Enjoy

Good place to start on ArcObjects. It primarily deals with the designing of interfaces, rather than using the commands for automation. Good intro to the concepts of the ArcMap Object model, properties, methods, and events...there's even a little blurb or cursors. Covers a little of ArcCatalog, too. Note: ArcTools DOES NOT follow the ArcObject Model...so if you are looking for properties, methods and events pertaining to this, I guess wait 'til ArcGIS 9. Also, there are no scripting cabilities similar to AML...you'll have to wait 'til ArcGIS 9, where python is used as the scripting language to replace AML. Also, does not address OOP concepts on the GeoDatabase model very much...but this book is definately better than Getting to Know ArcGIS