Lab 4: ArcMap

In this lab, we were introduced to the wonders of the ArcMap software.  Below is my final product after going through the ArcMap tutorial:

     Using the ArcMap software was both an educational and enjoyable experience.  The ArcMap tutorial was very straightforward and certainly eased the navigation through the program.  I thought the formative processes for the different types of maps was very instructive and provided a good introduction to many of the useful tools in ArcMap.  There were several components of this laboratory that I particularly liked, not only for their technicality but for their creative potential.  For example, I really liked how the program was so user-centric.  I know in class we discussed how neogeography focuses on the user while GIS focuses more on authority and administration, but I thought there was a significant amount of user involvement that was crucial to the final product.  I liked having the ability to choose differen color schemes (although the ones for this project were designated by the tutorial) and to select or de-select certain attributes to apply to the map.  In addition, the basic programming language to perform simple calculations (i.e. population density) was very understandable and, I think, could be easily used by anyone, regardless of their programming experience.  Furthermore, I really liked having an active role in the integration of different layers of the map.  It was interesting to see how different themes could be incorporated into one map.

     While my first experience with ArcMap was primarily positive, there were some annoying drawbacks to the program.  First, I thought that data storage and saving was much too complicated.  I am well aware that with today's technology we often take the ease of computers for granted, but I thought finding and storing data required too much effort.  Additionally, I thought that the mandatory use of ArcCatalog was too complicated.  It was difficult to remember to reference different file paths and I think the program would have been more effective if an outside source wasn't required to access data.

     Through my first experience with GIS, I was able to better understand the immesne power it offers.  Using GIS allows for a clear, thematic geographical presentation of many facets of one particular issue.  For example, the maps constructed during the tutorial offered significant information about many effects of the proposed airport expansion.  The different layering options allow the user and the reader to explore many social aspects of one proposed plan.  The presentation options available in the software improve the quality and readability of the maps; thus encouraging their universal understanding.  GIS also provides a technical and concrete analysis of a particular distribtuion which can satisfy inquisitive, quantitative minds.  The software itself is very direct and aside from its cost, easily accessible.  The most significant benefit of GIS is, by far, its ability to integrate various problems into one coherent presentation and to provide a (hopefully) unbiased, scientific perspective.

     Although GIS has substantial benefits, it also has some important pitfalls.  First, much of GIS is left to the map-maker's discretion, and while one would hope the user would include all pertinent information, he also has the ability to withold vital information.  This presentation of certain information could lead to bias that could significantly impact the interpretation of a given map.  GIS is also fairly expensive, and while licenses are available, it is unfortunate that such a useful tool is difficult to access.