Lab 4: ArcGIS Tutorial

As a geographic information systems tool, ArcMap has become one of the most widely used data systems to date. Overall, the program has opened doors to contemporary mapping technology and allowed geographers to share and compile complex information.

ArcMap is extremely useful for several reasons. For example, it can be used to store detailed spatial data. Moreover, it provides very precise measurements that are useful when trying to determine distance and sizes of different geographical features. Finally, ArcMap is useful because it can create multiple map layers in order to highlight the relationship between different topographical features. In this way, users can manipulate several data sets simultaneously, rather than having to work with a number of separate maps at the same time. Therefore, ArcMap is very helpful for inputting and analyzing spatial information.

Despite its positive attributes, ArcMap also has noteworthy shortcomings. Because the program has an extensive set of features, the program becomes very confusing for new users trying to input and manage a lot of data. In this way, the program is not one that anybody with a computer or internet connection can use; instead, ArcMap requires extensive knowledge about mapping and data systems to be of use.

Evidently, ArcMap has positive and negative attributes. Although it is widely utilized by professionals, it is not an easily accessible program.