ArcMap

While executing Lab 4 over the course of two weeks, I was to learn ArcMap using the software ArcGIS 10.1. The lab consisted of five exercises which was explained through the ArcMap tutorial. The basis of the exercises was to create a set of maps for a county that planned to expand its airport. This was executed in order to provide adequate analysis of noise and increase traffic affecting not only schools, but houses in the surrounding area. The tutorial is designed to teach the users to add features to maps, edit geographic data, create a summary graph, and other basic skills. Moreover, the tutorial suggested that each lessons be performed one at a time. Also, each lesson was to take anywhere between 30 and 45 minutes.

With instructions in hand, I began with the most obvious, Exercise 1: Exploring your data. This was the first time I used the program, however, I am an average computer savvy individual. Thus, I found the program to run smoothly. I learned how to display various layers and to display specific layers relevant to the county's stipulations. Since this map is for individuals who are not familiar with the data, I learned to create a legend which is useful in explaining the data presented on the map. Yet, the maps in themselves speak volumes. The end result was a map that displayed the schools affected by the noise generated from the airport expansion. This is extremely important not only for potential noise, but for potential pollution and waste schools will be exposed to. (Achievable through additional layers and data). In a border sense, ArcGis 10.1 allows users to provide firms with various amounts of data that is beneficial for affected areas of a firm's future plan, positive or negative. Moreover, layered maps provide a better analyze of data, then written reports and tables, because individuals can visualize information through a map lens than through words. Thus, the potential for ArcGIS is astronomical because an individual using the program are tailoring maps to a firm's specific needs.

While using ArcGIS 10.1, I found that the program is useful for other purposes, such as locating opportunistic real estate for firms. Answering a question, such as "Where should firm A build?" Being able to answer such a question from the comforts of your desk, not only lowers cost for firms in research, but includes other aspects such as demographics and population. Deciding location for a business is extremely important to firms because of cost. The program is able to layer all the concerns of a firm with respects to location and determine a profitable location. Thus, providing tremendous opportunity for both the firm and the people residing in the surrounding area. Moreover, once a map is created, individuals are able to share analyses.

Although there are various amounts of potential, there are also pitfalls to the programs. During my exercises, I was able to add roads and other geographical objects. Thus, I was able to manipulate spatial data. A user is able to falsify data to reflect "positive" aspects that is desired. Also, data may not be exact and distorted from reality. With respects to location, there is not absolute guarantee that that area will generate opportunity as a firm sees. Another pitfall is that this not an easy program to learn without acquiring some education about the different uses. A regular individual will not be able to use this and the cost of the program is expensive. This program is not designed for individual use, but rather for experts who understand geography both physically and culturally. Nonetheless, featured below is my experience using ArcMap tutorial.