Lab #4 Arc GIS

This week I explored the ArcGIS 10 software and became familiar with what exactly GIS is about. While working through the tutorial, I found that the functions of ArcGIS are relatively simple and are quite useful. GIS is mainly about working with different layers of information to form one cohesive map that brings all of the information together. In this case, the tutorial used information about the effects of expanding an airport. With GIS, I was able to map out which areas were affected by the airport, especially in terms of noise. Looking at the land within the noise contour, I was able to see that most of the land that was affected by the noise was residential. 

Through the tutorial, I also mapped out population density and schools. The map of schools showed that only one would be affected by the noise of airport expansion. The population density map shows how populated certain areas near the airports are. This enables the reader of the map to see which areas that will be affected by the airport have the most people. In addition, the tutorial taught me how to use the editor to add lines, points and polygons to the map. In this case, I added a road (a series of lines and curves), to the map. 

ArcGIS 10 is a very useful software and increases the potential of GIS. This software, and other GIS softwares, make using GIS readily available and relatively easy to use. GIS allows people to create maps that layer different pieces of information on top of each other. Information contained in a map is usually easier to understand than a series of tables. As the importance and potential of GIS grows, it will be easier to convert separate pieces of information into one layered and cohesive map. 

Though GIS is very useful, it can still be improved. Some aspects of GIS are hard to use, and the average person may not understand how to use the software. GIS software needs to continue improving their product and make it user friendly, especially for individuals without experience in GIS. Though some GIS software is inexpensive or free, the best software is very expensive. If GIS software became affordable for the average person, more people could learn how to use it. However, as of now, the software is too expensive and is sometimes difficult to use. Therefore, the average person will not acquaint themselves with GIS software. If a user friendly, inexpensive GIS software was available, more people would want to learn to use it. Neogeography could potentially spread to GIS as well. Eventually, GIS software could be so readily available, that virtually anyone could use it to make maps.