Lab 4: ArcMap

My experience with ArcMap was a struggle at first but I quickly adjusted to the format of the program. I struggled using the toolbars for the different portions of the tutorial. the first obstacle I ran into was getting the first noise contour map to fit in the 16 by 12 parameters. After I realized how to utilize the toolbar to adjust to this problem, I found the rest of the tutorial to be relatively easy. I can honestly say that without the tutorial, I would be completely lost on how to use ArcMap. Regardless, it was rewarding to utilize software that professional geographer's use on a faily basis. Although I created a very simple map, I still felt quite accomplished after finishing the entire tutorial. Making a map of the possible expansion of an airport made me realize the practical use of this technology and how it can better serve communities and society at large. I look forward to taking a more in depth look into this software.

I like the freedom I am given within ArcMap so that I can add some creativity to my map. There are various designs for compasses, scale bars, points and other elements within ArcMap. I could even change between various color schemes, which allowed me to further personalize my map. This lab showed me how amateur the "my map" feature on Google Maps was. Google maps only allows for visual representations, but doesn't allow the data input and personalization that ArcMap provides. Not only do I enjoy the creativity ArcMap gives me, but versatility too. I can calculate population density and other statistics. It's very useful for data calculations and translating numbers into visual representations. Also, the multilayer effect of ArcMap was useful because I could view different data separtely at my choosing.

The downfall of ArcGIS is that it's quite difficult to use and has a steep learning curve. I can honestly say that without the tutorial, I would be completely lost. Even going through the tutorial was difficult at first. It's definitely not as user-friendly as Google Maps. Considering it's so hard to use, it would be difficult to explain the map you created to someone unfamiliar with the technology. You would only be able to communicate your map's meaning to ArcGIS experts, as amateur map users would be severly confused by the intrinsic process of ArcMap.

Due to it's complexity, I feel like ArcGis will not be used universally or by users of differing neogeographical experience. It's primary market are geography experts who are experienced with it's capabilities. Therefore, ArcGis will never gain the mainstream popularity that Google Maps has, despite being more informative and interactive. Also, ArcGis cost money. No amateur map user would pay money to utilize ArcGis's advanced benefits when Google Maps will more than suffice for their needs. Thus, ArcMap simply can not exist in the universal market and will only be limited to use by experts in the field of geography.

Lab 3

View My Hometown in a larger map


The neogeography map above is a detailed map of my experiences as a child in my hometown, Chicago,IL. Neogeography allows amateur users to create their own personalized map with information both relevant and meaningful to them. The beauty of these personalized maps is that it allows creators to leave out unneeded and excess information. Therefore, all the information provided is at the creator's discretion and is more relative to their personal life. Another way neogeography is useful is by educating users about their surroundings. By mapping specific locations that are relevant to them, they become more aware of the area around which they are primarily focusing on. All of these aspects are what allow neogeography to be so useful.

While it does have many positives, neogeography also has its fair share of pitfalls. The greatest of these pitfalls could be putting blind faith in an amateur who created a map. Much like the website Wikipedia, anyone can log on to Google Maps and create and edit their own information. In neogeography, this could translate to unreliable information presented on the map. Amateurs using this technology are no where close to providing the valid information a trained professional can. Therefore, many of these amateur maps can not be taken as 100% correct as they may contain many defects and unreliable information. Also, these maps contain personal biases on what particular people find interesting and/or the best of a given category. For example, my opinion of what the best Italian restaurant may not be a shared sentiment amongst the majority of people. These biases must be taken into account when viewing someones map, as their opinions should not be taken as valid truths.

Despite theses pitfalls, neogeography gives amateur map users a medium to communicate their personal experiences and information relative to their life.

Lab 2

1. Beverly Hills Quadrangle
2. The adjacent quadrangles are Canoga Park, Van Nuys, Burbank, Topanga, Hollywood, Venice,     Inglewood
3. 1995
4. National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929, North American Datum of 1927, North American Datum of   1983
5. The scale is 1: 24,000
6.
a) 1/ 24,000 = 5 cm/X
    X= 120,000 cm
    X= 1200 meters
b) 1/ 24,000 = 5"/X
    X= 5* 24,000= 120,000"
    120,000"/ 12"= 10,000 feet
    1 mile= 5280 feet
    10,000 feet/ 5280 feet= 1.89 miles
    X=1.89 miles
c) 1 mile= 63,360 inches ==> 2.64 inches
d) 1/24,000= X/ 3km
    1/24,000= X/ 300,000 cm
    300,000 cm= 24,000(X)
    X= 12.5 cm
7. 20 feet
8) a. 118deg 26min 30sec west (118.4416deg), 34deg 26min 15sec north (34.4374 degrees)
    b. 118deg 29min 52sec west (118.4977deg), 34deg 31sec north (34.0086 degrees) 
    c. 118deg 24min 37sec west (118.4130deg), 34deg 7min 10sec north (34.1195 degrees)
9. What is the approximate elevation in both feet and meters of:
a) 580 feet/ 176.78 meters
b) 140 feet/ 42.67 meters
c) 630 feet/ 192.024 meters
10. UTM zone 11
11. 3,762,900 meters North and 361,500 meters East
12. 1000 * 1000= 1,000,000 meters squared
13.Elevation profile for the UTM Northing 3771000

14. Positive 14 degrees
15. The water in the stream is flowing Southwards
16. Cropped out image of UCLA on the topographic map: