Lab 5



 

 My experience with ARC GIS was again a source of frustration and fascination. The program has so many possibilities it is difficult to explore them all. Without the tutorial to guide me through this lab I found myself struggling to remember all the techniques of map making. However guiding myself through the process has help me understand the software even more. This week we studied map projections and how choosing the correct one can strengthen both data and its analysis. What I think is most important to remember about projections is the fact that they all cause some amount of distortion. However depending on what we want to observe we must accept this distortion in order to analyze the data.

            A projection, or the display of the three-dimensional world on a two-dimensional plane, offers many benefits for analysis. For example equal area maps allows its users to measure land areas fairly accurately because it preserves land area. While a conformal map preserves angles, allowing its users to use it for directional purposes. The ability to see the world on a small scale allows geographers to see phenomena and other effects surrounding them. This technology strengthens man’s historical dominance over nature, because we are able to become voyeurs of it. We have the ability to look at it as a whole and makes changes to it as a whole, rather than just focusing on areas local to ourselves.

The ability to see the world in a two-dimensional way is much more convenient than relying on a globe. We are able to put these projections in textbooks, atlases, and even party invitations, thus helping the general public navigate the world. Google maps exemplifies just how helpful two-dimensional projections can be, easily allowing users to get directions or view places spatially. It is easier to disburse information to people, as seen in many political campaigns that use maps to inform, or manipulate, the public. This possible misuse of the information leads to some potential pitfalls of the program.

ARC GIS does not come without some difficulties especially when dealing with projections. Projections always distort the world in one way or another. For this reason it is important to choose the correct projection depending on the variables you would like to analyze. However, if the wrong projection is chosen the data collected from it can be grossly incorrect. This can easily be done unintentionally, however it also can be used to mislead those who view the map. Using the wrong projection can be devastating when measuring, charting, or calculating.