GIS Tutorial

GIS is an extremely useful software that has been developed for efficient and practical use by humans in order to better understand their environment. Its capabilities seem endless, and structure composes an easy to use palette for an otherwise very complicated process. Because every map is unique in its purpose, qualifications and dimensions, GIS has made its format flexible and easily navigateable. Every toolbar and window conveniently groups the essentials you need to create an interesting and effective map.

With the help of the tutorial I found the program to be very easy to use. It was even fun at times due to the wide array of customizable options and features. Everything seemed to be placed and organized for the user’s convenience. However, any program that deals with such a complex matter has its flaws. These are some issues I noted that could be better programmed for a future version.    

Although the screens were manageable to navigate, I believe GIS could work on their shortcuts and movement features. Resizing maps, switching between toolbars and finding the right view became very difficult at times and caused me to ruin some data in the process of navigating. Also, the tools used to create new roads and features were extremely sensitive and hard to edit. Clicking a millimeter to the side of a button would cause a new road to appear which was then difficult to move or reposition. Aside from these minute flaws, GIS was meticulously examined and refined. Its capabilities do manage data were amazing, and can only be complemented by its potential for visual stimulation.

Because GIS is made for user-oriented maps, distinguishing key features and displaying data for research, I believe it’s potential to handle data has been fine-tuned. GIS’s later versions can now work on developing the visual aspect of the maps. This would include creating better graphics, more vibrant colors, a wider range of symbols, and even 3D capabilities that could all make the graph easier to read. I believe part of making the data displayed by these maps more accessible and interesting to the viewers is making them easier to understand and more interesting to read. This of course comes second to the practical, accurate, efficient and informational aspects of the map, but certainly should be a long-term goal for the GIS software.