Lab 4

            My experience with ArcMap showed me how useful yet frustrating the software can be. Because the program uses numerous files, I constantly had to connect, via remote access, to computers in the lab. This was difficult because of the obvious technical problems one has when trying to access a computer far away. However it was also often difficult trying to find or save files in the numerous folders. It was difficult to remember which files I had access to and where I could save changes. Also the program is frustrating because it is so meticulous' there are several small steps that must be taken in a single mapping process.

            However the mapping process was not entirely unpleasant; for example it is extremely satisfying to see the data become visibly spatial. Also the maps are very personal and customizable, I realized I could map any place in any style or projection I prefered. ArcMap also offers the opportunity to add maps, graphs and  intersections as well. These additions also help for greater analysis of the data. Being able to work on all these processes at once helped me remember how the numbers and map related.

            ArcMap’s function as a platform to view data spatially has many potentials to allow for analysis. The ability to see the data helps the mind spatially understand where a phenomenon occurs, what influences it, and what it may be influencing. ArcMap allows for a much faster and aestitcally pleasing way of processing data. The use of intersections further provides for analysis; again we can see how phenomenons influence each other. Through analysis it is possible to make changes to rectify a problem.

            Although there are many benefits to ArcMap the program also contains some pitfalls. The data can be manipulated in order to create a misleading idea about a certain set of data. The mapping software is not open to everyone and is therefore only controlled, or can only be manipulated, by a certain group. With this power comes the possibility of deception in order to capture the attention of an audience. Furthermore if information is solely obtained from these maps it is much more difficult to identify smaller or varying pieces of data. For example in mapping the noise contour I identified regions that are affected by noise pollution. However within the vast area I mapped I am sure there are pockets of places that are actually unaffected, using an aerial map we are unable to look for these specific places. This lack of specifics may be a problem as mapping is used more.