Learning ArcGIS (Week 4)

My initial experience with ArcMap was made very simple and straightforward by the tutorial that was provided. Parts one and two both took about two hours each of mindless work by simply following the step-by-step directions. Through the process, I was able to combine existing maps with spatial data to output a GIS model of a particular airport expansion project. Many aspects of this program, such as the use of layers and the organization of files, reminded me fondly of other programs such as Photoshop. Before working on this project, I had no idea that there was such powerful and fully-featured modeling software made just for GIS. I can definitely see its value in effectively creating a robust GIS model, while allowing its fast distribution and easy editing if needed.

One of the most important functions of ArcMap is to propose and to answer complicated GIS questions. For this particular lab, the general question that was being addressed was the feasibility of a proposed airport expansion project can be answered by applying various sets of spatial data onto a visual model that anyone can easily understand. For example, the most significant drawback of the project (the increase in the noise level in the area) is represented by a noise contour on the county map. We then overlaid additional layers which contained schools in the area, land use, and population density. This compilation allowed me to determine if the expansion significantly affects any schools, residential zones, or large groups of the county population. 

ArcMap has the ability to allow for the addition of all necessary legends and scales to completely show the information. Various tables, graphs, and colors are used to clearly present data. Within the noise contour, there is one school and a significant residential population. Then it would be up to local government officials to compare this GIS data with local laws and regulations to make a decision. As shown, the strength of ArcMap comes in its ability to analyze and organize a lot of spatial data onto a map, while retaining the flexibility to edit and add data on the fly which I must say is very impressive. The program and its presentation is very polished, allowing the use of many of these features to show GIS information, while remaining very stable and fast. It is definitely made with professional maps and large quantities of data in mind.



In retrospect, while I believe that ArcMap's biggest advantage, with its many features and functions, is also one of  its biggest pitfall. Personally, I feel that the menu-based user interface can be very complicated for casual users. The sheer amount of layers that one has to keep track of can get confusing. And the saving system and file extensions are additional details that a user has to keep in mind, thus further complicating things for the user. A casual user simply cannot pick up the program and start using it as a neogeography tool for their daily lives. This makes it necessary for a professional user to take an in-depth tutorial or class in order to take advantage of all its quirks and features, which limits the widespread use of the program to only within the GIS field and related industries.