ArcMap

This was my first experience using ArcMap and due to my inexperience in this program I found this assignment very challenging. There were lots of little steps that added up to a lot of time put into making these maps. I feel that I learned a lot using this program and find it a very useful tool in making maps. It is amazing to me that this type of technology is available and is now being widely used.

ArchMap has the ability to display many different attributes on a map making it easy to create a map that highlights the information you want to display. I really enjoyed how personalized you can make maps by adding different color gradients or background colors to the map and legend. Being able to make corresponding graphs enhances the information you wish to present. The ability to remove or add items such as schools, roads or highways can make the map easier to read and interpret for the reader.

I feel like I had a really hard time following all the instructions quickly and spent about 9 hours on this assignment. This is partially my fault for not saving information correctly as well as being new to this program and becoming oriented with the way it functions. I think populations that are not fluent with computers would find this program extremely challenging. To use this program well one must be fluent with computers in general and be familiar with the way ArcMap is used.

Overall I think this is a great program and a great tool for making readable maps as long as you have computer fluency and program fluency. I look forward to becoming more familiar with this program so that it becomes less challenging for me to use and I am able to make the types of maps I desire to outline the information I wish to present.