Lab 4: Introducing ArcMap

Using the ArcMap to make maps was overall an interesting experience to me. Although it was the first time that I used a GIS software, the detailed tutorial was quite helpful to me. Although I had to spend many extra hours in the lab to do my work since I was not skillful in using the ArcMap, it was all worth it when I finally accomplished my maps. I almost followed every step in the tutorial this time, but I think the next time when I have the chance to make a map using ArcMap, I will probably add more personal characteristics in it, like the color of the background or the shape. 

As a modern tool of mapping, GIS has many advantages. The map can show architectures, roads, regions and other features on different layers, making it easier to see and analyze the information on the map (we can choose not to show certain layers when they are disturbing). We can put the data directly in the digital maps and the powerful function of making charts enables us to export the data to have a more intuitive grasp. Unlike traditional maps that cannot be updated after they are printed, digital maps can be easily updated. The change of roads, the newly built architectures can be showed on the digital map, and can even be showed to more people through the Internet. The timeliness of GIS makes it more useful in modern society since the change of geography is exceedingly frequent because of human activities. 

It is true that GIS has many benefits that traditional mapping tools do not have. However, GIS still has some pitfalls that can be improved. I'm not going to complain about the complexity of the software because I think people can get used to the software through practicing.In addition, one thing I noticed is the problem of format conversion. Since different GIS softwares were developed in independent and restricted platforms, they use different spacial data models and different organizations of geological data, which make it difficult to exchange data between different softwares. For example, the ArcGIS we use have the format of mxd that various other softwares may not be able to open and edit. What's more, since I found the ArcGIS quite interesting, I checked its price online to see if I could download one so I could make maps on my own computer. Although there is a 60-day free trial for users to use, it costs at least 1500 dollars to buy the software which is definitely too expensive for amateurs who have interests in GIS.

As a significant part of the geographic study, GIS can help us to analyze geographical information more effectively as well as show the out put in a more precise way. It is true that using GIS needs a lot of geography knowledge, but I found that using GIS can also help us review and consolidate our geographic knowledge. In contemporary society, GIS is playing a more and more important part in our life. GIS, as well as the techniques of remote sensing and GPS, is forming a more and more complete technology system of geography that can be used for us to better understand our environment and better construct our earth. The improvement of the intelligence of GIS will also make it more easy to manage and more accessible to the public. GIS is becoming more and more associated with us.