Lab 4: Introducing ArcMap

       My overall ArcMap experience started out as fun and interesting.  I was excited to be learning about the actual construction of maps and layers.  The initial 10 or so pages of the tutorial were relatively easy and did not pose any problems or concerns.  Quickly after the beginning stages of set-up knowledge of ArcMap the process began to become more and more frustrating, until about the last 10 pages where everything was more or less repeated steps of processes already learned.  However, having finished the assignment, I am very pleased to have it finished and look relatively similar to what it is supposed to, or to the end product that was presented in the tutorial.  That is my brief over view to the ArcMap process; the problem areas I encountered that lead to potential irregularities with the outputs ranged from basic issues such as location certain keys and tools, to losing maps without seemingly having done anything, and just plain not being able to do produce the same map as the tutorial. 

I found the tutorial straight forward and helpful, but making the map is different than reading about someone else making it.  I have only ever used ArcGIS to read pre-existing maps, not to create my own and it is a much harder process.  Embarrassingly enough I had the most trouble locating the specific tools we were needing to use. Once I found them, the tutorial was clear and easy to follow.  I am very thankful to have saved my work after each successful step.  More than once I had to re-open my saved map to repeat the step I had just attempted and failed to complete.

Working with the actual Map it became easier to understand how easily maps can be manipulated to display information.  These maps were relatively unbiased because they were only presenting factual information, however; this map could have been constructed in a way to emphasize the school in the sound zone further, making the case that the airport expansion is not a good idea.  It would also be just as easy to present the sound zone in a way making school seem relatively unaffected by the sound.  It is all in what information you are trying to convey or what you want the person reading the map to think about the particular zones you display.

Overall my first ArcMap experience was very helpful.  I learned a lot from the mechanics of making a map and how much time goes into the presentation of information.  It also became clearer as to how easy it would be to be completely mislead by a map that technically as all true factual information.  Having been thoroughly frustrating trying to finish some parts of this lab, and totally happy with having completed it, I am excited to complete more maps in the future, only with less time trying to find sketch tools and more time manipulating my information perfectly.