Lab 4

ArcGIS is a software that helps us understand spatial relationships by providing a set of tools that captures, stores, analyzes, manages, and presents data that are linked to locations.  Locations can be accurately marked using a combination of points, lines, and areas. Even though running through the tutorial the first time was unfamiliar and slow, the software is easy to pick up. Once you know how to upload information into the software, apply different layers on the map, integrate information from two sources, and tweak the display of the map, you are able to start creating basic map presentations.

Another great potential in ArcGIS is that the analysis of the information assembled can help with informed decision-making. This is why, ArcGIS is useful in many fields including cartography, remote sensing, land surveying, public utility management, natural resource management, precision agriculture, photogrammetry, geography, urban planning, emergency management, navigation, and aerial video just to name a few. An example of informed decision-making is provided in our lab where we mapped the noise contour that would be generated by the proposed airport expansion. This could help the county residents make an informed decision on where the airport should expand.  Another example of  a practical use for GIS was shown in the documentary we watched in class during 5th week where the environmentalists and the lumber companies were able to come to a compromise using the information shown to them by GIS.

While all these potentials make ArcGIS a very attractive software, it’s important to recognize the pitfalls as well. Firstly, when working on an ArcGIS project, it is almost necessary to work on one computer station throughout the duration of the project. Otherwise, the data inputted into the project would have to be saved on a flash drive. If the data is not moved along with the ArcGIS project, only the layout will show up but no changes can be made to the data. For the purpose of the tutorial, that is simple because there isn’t that much information. However, ArcGIS projects usually contain a lot of information that would require a large memory space in addition to a long upload and downloading period, making data transfer tedious and inefficient.

Another inconvenience is that ArcGIS is a costly software. In order to take advantage of all of the GIS features, you need time to learn how to use all the tools, which is difficult when the software isn’t easily available. Due to the price, the only people who have access to the software are those who work for a company or academic institution, who have already purchased the software.  Ironically, the professional aspect that makes this software so attractive is also one of its pitfalls. Since ArcGIS is a professional software, becoming proficient at this software is difficult without a specialized course to teach the intricacies of the program.