LAB 4

ARCGIS TUTORIAL

Proposed Airport Expansion

       The ArcGIS tutorial was great because I really got to see how different layers can be compiled together to form a very informative visual. Through the map/model that the tutorial made me create I got to really see its use. This map in particular allows someone looking at it to see the impact a proposed airport expansion would have on the community. I really enjoyed creating it. 

 Pitfalls and Potential of ArcGIS

        ArcGIS was designed by ESRI as a geographic information system modeling and mapping program. Through the tutorial that was provided I became a little more familiar with what accompanies the task of using ArcMap as well as ArcCatalog. The program allows creativity, as made possible by the many different commands that can be utilized to create more than I  had imagined. Different editing techniques allow for a multitude of possible combinations of attributes that allow for many different map creation. Graphs can also be integrated as a supplement to maps.

       Though the tutorial provided step by step guidance as well as visual aid, I still found it to be tedious and very detail orientated. With ArcGIS, patience is a must because it can be very time consuming, but after awhile I started seeing consistencies of where certain commands were located. I can tell that getting a good grasp of the program is going to take a lot of time and practice. Making sure the progress was saved properly was also a difficult task that frustrated  me and many of my peers. Of course if all the students were able to work through their own computers then it would not be a problem. This is not possible because the program is really expensive. However, it is obvious that if someone was serious in pursuing digital modeling and mapping, this is a great program. 

       GIS has great potential in spatial analysis because so many different layers can be included in a creation. There are many ways to  represent the data and features. Mapping has come a long way with the advent of this program and it has given and will continue to give great contributions to the study of geography all around the world. It is also great because a seasoned professional can map and and compile data as long as he is provided the proper attributions without surveying an area himself. 

      The ability to properly utilize ArcGIS needs experience and a lot of practice. This means that its more suitable for professionals. Although maps can be professionally made, it does not necessarily mean it is 100% accurate. Human error is common and although the map/model creator may be accurate and precise, the data and attributes he uses for the projection may not be accurate.  It is important to still be wary of this fact. Overall, ArcGIS has much more potential and positive contributions than its pitfalls. As it becomes  utilized and updated more and more, I am sure that it can only get better. I personally cannot wait to become proficient in employing this program.