This is the first time that I use geographical software. While completing the tutorial, I encountered some difficulties. One major problem is that the image in the tutorial is slightly different from my screen. For example I can’t find the toolbar in the interface. So it is a little bit hard to follow the tutorial instruction. Another problem is that when I tried to adjust the map scale, it always jumped back to the original scale. Sometime the map would become ridiculously huge. In spite of all these difficulties, this software is relatively easy to use and it is very useful. By using this software, we can add data to a map, edit geographical data, work with table and lay out map. Another thing I particularly like about Arcmap is that user can customize his/her own map. You can change the colors and apply different shade on it. Overall, Arcmap is user-friendly and useful.
There are both potential and pitfalls of GIS. A huge positive aspect of GIS is that it is very effective to organize and edit complex data. Lots of geographical information can be easily added to a map. Also, multiple layers are helpful in hiding and showing in important data. They are also helpful in creating a map with a particular purpose. The large range of colors and shapes that can be added on a map provide a clearer viewing to the general public. The digital map that GIS created can serve different purposes as well as help user to visualize the map. It also can be updated easily.
GIS also has an advantage in editing, creating points, lines and polygenes. There are lots of useful tool to draw a map. In addition, user can analyst huge amount of data by creating table and separating layers. It is also very easy to view a map in GIS because you can zoom in when you want to see a specific location and zoom out when you want to see the whole layout of the map.
There are certain pitfalls as well. I think GIS is user-friendly only because I have a tutorial to follow. I can’t imagine that I make maps on GIS if I have nothing except the software alone. GIS is certainly less user-friendly than Google map. Not everyone has the patient to get familiar with GIS operation because it requires lots of time to do so. After completing the tutorial, I still feel that I have much more to learn about GIS. GIS is only designed for those who like geography and those who are experts
In conclusion, GIS is a relatively sophisticated software that can analyst and process huge amount of data. It has lots of potential to visualize complicated data and maps information. Although it is not as user-friendly as Google map, it is great for the academic purpose.
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