ArcGIS is a convenient mapping tool that allows users to create more complex maps that can relate geography to an interrelated phenomenon. ArcGIS may not be as easily accessible than other open source mapping tools or simple mapping tools such as Google, but its because of its complexity and capabilities that it restricts access to those interested in relating earth's geographic features to a wide range of subject matters - including societal and environmental issues. ArcGIS, in that extent, is a more professional tool that focuses on mapping to provide geographic information and relationships rather than a user-centric tool that focuses on providing miscellaneous information.
In my first exposure to ArcGIS, it seems that the tool itself is very comprehensive and has a lot of aesthetic options that can be used to customize the graphical presentations. More importantly, the tool itself is not difficult to use, its just tedious to go through the steps to get the results desired. As long as there is data present, the tool becomes very useful in graphically presenting the data. Because the class itself is an introductory course to GIS, the labs where we utilize ArcGIS provides us with minimal experience in using the tool to map out geographical relationships between the Earth and the people. ArcGIS is a great tool for those within the research/academia field in establishing geographical relationships and mapping them out to illustrate a point of interest.
Despite the convenience of ArcGIS, there are some shortcomings of the software itself. The entire process of data collection and creating the maps themselves to illustrate a phenomenon is a tedious task. The unfortunate flaw underlying the process is that if a human error occurs somewhere along the data organization, it's a painstaking process to retrace the steps and correct the error. In addition, because of its intended audience, ArcGIS does require some understanding of basic computer programming to fully utilize the functions of ArcGIS. The general output of ArcGIS may not be as flashy or physically attractive as other mapping tools, it is still more informative/comprehensive in terms of the information presented by its output.
The introductory lab tutorial for ArcGIS was a great way to expose students to the capabilities of a professional mapping tool rather than a neogeographical mapping tool like Google Maps. While neogeography is a prevalent form of mapping for the general public, it is limited in how much information can be presented in the maps. ArcGIS and other mapping software, on the other hand, allow for more comprehensive analysis of various phenomenons within a geographical range. ArcGIS, in that sense, is perfect for studying anthropologic and environmental effects on a global scale by comparing various phenomenons and analyzing the map outputs from ArcGIS. Through such analysis, we gain a better understanding of the natural world and the underlying processes that may have an adverse effects on the natural world itself and attempt to develop policies that may slow the growth of adverse effects.
No comments:
Post a Comment