ArcGIS: First Try

ArcGIS Tutorial Image

ArcGIS Tutorial Image

         To be honest, I was not a fan of maps. I usually take the use of maps for granted. But as I went through this tutorial, I realized how powerful GIS could be in terms of providing information and presenting ideas in a clear and aesthetic fashion. In addition, as mentioned in the lecture by professor Illes, map makers tend to have their own "arts". Using map as a means of communication, it is easy for them to present their intended theory or idea by selecting which features of the map they want to stand out. Overall, my experience with ArcGIS was pleasant: the instructions were very clear and it was very fun manipulating the data and being amazed by how powerful a computer software can be. This could be my first step of being a map maker!
        GIS as opposed to traditional printed map, enjoys another advantage. For the map makers a hundred years ago, it is clearly a lot of work when trying to edit an old map from someone else. Unlike GIS, traditional maps do not have their raw data ready and therefore when someone wants to edit a printed map, they may have to draw the whole map again. In addition, information of the raw data may be lost in which case editing can be difficult.
       Despite the benefits and potentials GIS brings, there are also some pitfalls. To begin with, with increasing access to the raw data and map editing, someone could easily make a map that could mislead people. An example I have seen is that a map maker was trying to discriminate against a certain race in a certain state by stating that the wealth of a certain race is in the hands of another race due to massive immigration. These maps could be misleading and even cause conflicts to those that do not have high levels of media literacies.
     The biggest pitfall of GIS, as stated by professor in lecture, is that it requires very accurate information input to get a accurate output. Although I stated that GIS is very useful even with amateur users like me, I am not certain if I had made a mistake or not when processing the data. If I got something wrong while inputing data, my map would provide inaccurate information and the potential consequences to the viewers cannot be underestimated.
     In all, GIS, as a modern map making, data manipulation and analysis tool, is very useful for geographers. It reduces a lot of work using contemporary technology  While one enjoys the fruit of technology innovations, one cannot forget that one has to be careful not to let the pitfalls of GIS undermine our handwork.