ArcGIS is a very powerful tool for understanding geographical information. The introductory tutorial illustrated the great potential and difficulties that the revolutionary software holds. I enjoyed my overall experience with the program despite the moments of uncertainty. In the process of completing the tutorial I enjoyed many opportunities to put the knowledge learned from class lectures into action and better understand the complexities of the software. I found ArcGIS to have great potential within its capabilities to manipulate data while still having some pitfalls for new users.
The benefits of the ArcGIS software are wide ranging. The software’s overall attention to detail when dealing with attribute tables, beautification of the visual aspects, and organization of the data groups is very impressive. The user interface of the program is well designed to quickly negotiate general processes. This quality construction of the software allows the user to make quick and effective use of the many tools available within the program’s inner workings. Organization of data tables through joining data groups was very helpful, in addition to the potential to construct formulas for calculation within charts and graphs. Though these great benefits allow the user to control large quantities of tools, the difficulties for new users abound.
The tremendous benefits that ArcGIS offers to its users can pose severe complications for those new to the program. The advantages of having access to all levels of detail can also hold a steep learning curve. Complications can quickly arise when the user of the software is not extremely focused. One wrong click or box unchecked can set the new user back precious time. Yet, I believe these moments of confusion are only temporary for the new user who does not fully understand the methods of the program. With time and experience the benefits will out-weight the difficulties and simply leave an invaluable tool for the geographer.
Though difficulties loom around the use of the powerful ArcGIS program, I look forward to better understand its features and tools. I hope future labs will help me to better understand the techniques of using ArcGIS so as to lessen the difficulties of the new user. Though the tutorial was very helpful, I look forward to more independent research and development of maps.
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