Lab 4: Introducing ArcMap

Using Arc Map in GIS can be a challenging, yet rewarding, experience. Although the tutorial was quite thorough, at times it was difficult completing each task efficiently. I found some parts of the process to be somewhat confusing. However, with the help from the TA and fellow classmates, I was able to complete the exercises.

There are numerous advantages of a program such as ArcMap. Foremost, it allows professionals, as well as amateurs, to view, design, edit, and learn from maps. From solving noise pollution problems to deforestation issues, GIS can be useful in many different lines of work. Politicians, construction workers, and corporations are just a few examples of people and groups that would find this software to be useful.

However, there also exist some problems with this program. Personally, I found it difficult to navigate through a few aspects. Exercise 1 was fairly simple, but the process grew more complex as the tutorial progressed. One must read each step carefully and thoroughly. In addition, to fully understand the function of each step, one should go through the activity multiple times. This can be time consuming and frustrating.

These are the main differences that separate GIS from Neogeography outlets such as Google Maps. While the former is map centric and mainly intended for professionals, the latter is user centric and open to all. Thus, working with mashups can be much more exciting and stimulating than working with GIS, which at times can be difficult and frustrating.

Lab 3: Neogeography

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Neogeography, a new division in the field of geography is a recent innovation that has altered the world of GIS. Lately, it has been at the forefront of the profession. Neogeography makes use of existing tools to create maps that users can utilize for information, as well as to share location information with friends and family. Unlike GIS, neogeography is an “amateur,” instead of a “professional” means of map making. In addition, while GIS is rigid, neogeography is pretty flexible.

However, there are some consequences for this sort of technology. First off, there is the question of authority; how reliable are such maps if they are made by everyday people? This is a risk that is prevalent since the Internet is now filled with thousands of such maps. Secondly, the issue of privacy is brought up since this technology allows users to find location information of almost anyone quite easily. This is yet another threat posed by neogeography. Virtual crimes and online stalkers have increased exponentially in the past few years.

Lab 2: USGS Topographic Maps

1. Beverly Hills Quadrangle

2. Canoga Park, Van Nuys, Burbank, Topanga, Hollywood, Venice, Inglewood.

3. 1978

4. Vertical Datum of 1929

5. 1:24,000

6.

a) 1200 meters

b) 1.89 miles

c) 2.64 inches

d) 12.5 cm

7. 20 ft

8.

a) 34.07443 Latitude, -118.43923 Longitude or 34degrees, 4', 27.9474" Latitude and -118degrees, 26', 21.2274'' Longitude

b) 34.00741 Latitude, -118.49996 Longitude or 34 degrees, 0', 26.676" Latitude and -118degrees, 29', 59.856" Longitude

c) 34.123614 Latitude, 118.409056 Longitude or 34degrees, 7', 25.01'' Latitude and 118degrees, 24', 32.60'' Longitude

9.

a) 560 ft or 170.688 meters

b) 40 ft or 12.1920 meters

c) 600 ft or 182.880 meters

10. UTM Zone 11

11.

12. 1,000,000 meters

13.

14. Magentic Declination of 14 degrees-48'

15. north

16.