I am a total new person to inkscape. I am wanting to use inkscape to edit the graphics in maps I create from a GIS program, lines, labels, symbols. I am having a hard time however figuring out how to get the map into inkscape for editing. What would be the best file type for this. Optimally I would like to preserve the as much as possible, infill colors of shapes, but also be able to break apart the lines symbols and labels for editing. Any suggestions?

Does GIS use raster or vector images?

If it's a raster image (.jpg, .gif, .png) use File > Import command
Once you have your image in Inkscape you can trace it so you get a vector copy of the image: Path > Trace Bitmap (it may take some time to play with it until you get just the right colors, shapes etc)
Now you have a vector image and you can use various Path command to edit the shapes

Map of a Delta City
There was another who uses Inkscape to create map symbols but I can't find it atm