My experience with ArcMap was one that introduced me into the realm of map making. While it was my first time using this type of database, I enjoyed the experience. It allows one to fully understand the mass compilation that goes into creating a map that we might find to be basic. However, even these simple maps require layers of data that are placed on top of each other, as well as joined with other files. Therefore, the sum of all of this data input results in map that is comprehensive for the audience to follow and understand the subject that is attempted to be explained.
ArcMap does allow for one to have knowledge about the subject matter, therefore this creates much potential for GIS. A potential in the use of ArcMap GIS is that it allows one to make maps for personal use, which this personal data that one compiles is able to be illustrated for anyone to view the map and be able to determine and analyze the data that is the outcome of this map. Therefore, another potential of GIS is that it allows the use of analyzing data. Through the use of maps, it allows the audience to visualize the data that has been summarized, rather than just reading through what the outcomes were. This visualization further assists one in having a deeper understanding of the subject matter being conveyed. In addition to these other potentials, another potential of GIS is that it allows one to manipulate data. It can be determined that there are multiple layers that are used to make one map, therefore, by manipulating each layer of data one is able to relay the information that they wished to convey to the audience. However, when talking about manipulating data, this means that the data is used in a way where the parts of each layer that are significant can be used in order to reveal the data in a way that they wish the audience to see and understand it.
Although there is much potential of GIS, some pitfalls of this experience also do occur. One pitfall that exists is that the compilation of data can be tedious for one to do, as this takes much time and patience to go through each process. Specifically, if one is new to the process of ArcMap it can be difficult to understand at the beginning. Therefore this leads to another pitfall, which is that one can be extremely confused in the long process of ArcMap if they are not familiar with the uses of it. If the ArcMap Tutorial was not provided, this process would almost be impossible for anyone who does not know how or ever used this program. Lastly, the other pitfall with ArcMap is that while all this information is beneficial to the viewer, the process is a long one as previously explained, which is why each layer that is compiled must be saved. However, to save each layer is something that can be quite difficult at times, due to the loss of some the information/data.
In conclusion, the use of ArcMap GIS is one that is beneficial and useful for all different subject areas. The use of maps is not something just for geography, but also used in many other disciplines (history, environmental studies, earth and space sciences, etc) in order to fully understand the data explained and to visualize it too. While there are some pitfalls in this process, the potential of ArcMap to GIS far exceeds these pitfalls, due to the use of this program allows for data being able to be used for personal use, to manipulate data, and to analyze this data, simply done just through the use of a single map. Therefore, the next time you look at a map, think about the extensive process that it took just for that one map to come up to show you a little information about the subject. Through the use of ArcMap for GIS is a program that allows you to truly appreciate the art of maps!
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