Lab 4: Introducing ArcMap

In my time at UCLA, I have been introduced to a few different programs through classes in the Geography department.  Up until this lab, I had never used ArcMap, although I had always seen it on lab computers and heard about it from friends in other GIS classes.  My "Statistics for Geography Majors" class required use of the program R to compute statistical data and assemble raster plots and "Environmental Modeling" required the use of Stella to run modeling equations.  While both of these programs have important roles in the field of GIS, neither of them have the power of ArcMap.

In comparison to Stella and R, ArcMap is a much more flushed out program.  There is the ability to integrate much more information in a more presentable and informative way.  R is severely limited in that is primarily a computational program.  Stella on the other hand is limited because it can only run modeling equations.  While each of these programs do different things, ArcMap has the most power and the widest range of functions.  The interface for ArcMap is also more friendly.  Both R and Stella are single windows with one single page for input.  ArcMap introduces layers and allows for a multitude of views, toolbars and functions to be performed.  It makes sense why ArcMap is one of the leading GIS programs.  It is incredibly powerful and has a flushed out interface.

One of the biggest problems with ArcMap however is its learning curve.  Learning to use ArcMap is very taxing.  Working through the 58 pages of the lab tutorial was a slow process, requiring multiple trips to the computer lab to finish.  Even me as the computer savvy person I am, had trouble at points using this program.  In my opinion, these problems stem from the fact that ArcMap is almost too powerful.  There are so many tools, so many options, and so many different functions that ArcMap can perform.  Of course this isn't a bad thing because it makes the program that much stronger, it just makes learning how to use it a more tedious process.

Another problem with ArcMap, a problem that most software programs have, is price and availability.  With all the programs I have worked with, there is a major barrier to using them.  These programs are very expensive, and in many cases aren't easily available to the general public.  In today's world, with the development of neogeography, programs like ArcMap give the power to make high quality informative maps to everyone.  With high prices and accessibility problems, a severe limit is placed on this possibility.

Overall, ArcMap is an incredible program.  It allows for the user to synthesize all different types of data to make powerful and informative maps, charts and diagrams.  Within a few hours, I, a first time user, was able to create density maps, make land use charts, design new roads and depict the effects of a proposed airport expansion in an easy to understand and easy to read map.  This ability highlights the benefits of powerful programs like ArcMap to the world of GIS.