Lab 4: Introducing ArcMap

 

     The tutorial for ArcMap was quite simple to follow in regards to executing the listed procedures. The tools were quite similar to what I have previously used in other image editing software programs so I didn’t need to familiarize myself too much with those methods. However, with the features I wasn’t familiar with; the tutorial explained them clearly and made it very easy to carry out those tasks.

     From what I have learned from my experience of going through the tutorial repeatedly, ArcMap is a program that allows for an extremely large amount of data to be represented many different ways. The program has so much potential to be utilized not just by geographers, but by professionals in a broad range of carrier fields. The tutorial focused on zoning and noise issues that in theory affected schools, homes, and businesses. City planners, government employees, school district personnel, families, architectural engineers and business professionals would all be interested in the information represented in the data generated in the tutorial because it applied to them in some way. It was also convenient to have tables pre-made stored in the database with information readily available to be integrated into the map data easily inputted into the visual representations.

     The only real downside I noticed, based on the features I used in ArcMap, was the fact that at times, there were just so many options and so many ways to represent data, that it was time consuming completing one task. The tutorial made it simple, but if I were on my own, I’m certain it would have taken significantly longer. Granted, it took less time the more familiar I became with the program, however I believe it’s still easy to get mixed up in different views, remembering what tabs to click on, or even just trying to decide how you want to represent your information. In addition, another pitfall of GIS is the fact that the data is only as relevant an accurate as you make it. There is a huge potential for inaccurate information being represented either through typing errors, or simply just not having the most current or most accurate information. The pre-made charts, boundaries, and other geographic representation I used were created by someone else. I had no way in verifying their accuracy. I just used what I had with the faith that it was all up to date and true. In major cities, construction is a daily occurrence. Roads and facilities are constantly changing and without the most up to date information, it could have a significantly negative impact for those who try to reference the bad data.

     Nevertheless, I believe the program is a tremendous asset and its benefits outweigh the drawbacks. As long as competent users generate the data with reputable sources, then more people would benefit. Everyone uses a map or some form of navigational or geographic medium on a daily basis and having easy access to those mediums enhance everyone’s standard of living.