Lab 4 - ArcMAP

Navigating ArcMap was an overall positive experience, albeit requiring much patience and further practice. Since my first time going through the tutorial primarily consisted of just following step-by-step directions, it was not until the second and third time that I started to really think about and grasp the purpose and usefulness of the program. I learned that it is essential to have the goal of the map in mind from the beginning and throughout the mapmaking process. What do I want to map? What elements need to be included for readers to understand my map? Such are questions that I need to answer at the outset; they will help define how I navigate the ArcMap program.

The goal in this tutorial was to create a map for a county seeking to expand its airport. We considered noise affecting schools and houses near the airport, as well as increased traffic along major roads. With each exercise, I included new features, referenced, and worked with the data to create complementary, informative maps.

GIS possesses significant potential in geographic data exploration and map creation. It has real-world value, as it helps communicate and work out problems effectively with more visual impact. Spatial data is used to explain patterns and predict relationships between populations and other elements mapped. By enabling the user to selectively reference data, one can narrow down variables of interest for focused study. Furthermore, computer-based GIS allows for analysis of a large amount of data in a timely manner.

GIS is not without possible pitfalls. From my initial experience with ArcMap, I realized that extensive practice with the program is needed to fully utilize all the tools to create proper maps. The technical know-how involved limits GIS software to educated users. GIS may oversimplify the world as well, failing to take into account the full context of the variables. As user-centric representations of the world, GIS maps as with all maps may vary according to the creator’s intentions and capabilities. This can lead to ambiguity or misinterpretations.

I plan to continue exploring and using ArcMap consistently to become a truly equipped, knowledgeable mapmaker and critical reader. The following is the map that I produced through the ArcMap tutorial: