Intro to arcGIS online

Introduction:

The focus of this lab was to learn how to use the program ArcGIS, and to begin learning how it can be used for differing projects. The tutorials that were chosen used the online version of ArcGis, and as such is different from the full version of the software. For the particular tutorial I used, the user would learn how to use the program to evaluate evacuation routes in Houston before a hurricane.

Method:

This tutorial was very straightforward, and for the most part the tutorial did all of the work for you in order to establish and develop a map for this example. First federal routes out of the area are overlaid onto the map of the area ( The tutorial more or less does this for you), from there you need to evaluate problem areas on the map, such as areas where traffic would be worse of where flooding would be more likely. After the problem areas are identified the next step is to identify what percent of households do not have a proper way to evacuate, such as with a car. By using census data, families that need extra assistance can be given proper aid in the evacuation before the hurricane, and then overlay onto the map the different "hot-zones" of where more assistance is needed.

Discussion:

This software is a little odd at first, due to the large amount of tools and options available to the consumer. However, the different tutorials offered in this lab allowed the user to begin to feel comfortable with the program.Once a user has learned how to use ArcGis, there are many different applications of the software, be it flood control, evacuation plans, or data processing. 

Conclusion: 

While using this program it is apparent that learning it is going to be a little challenging. The user interface for the program is complex, and not something that can be picked up as quickly as other software. After taking tutorials though, a user can use this program, and others similar to it, for data processing that is more valuable than a more simple processing program. By doing so an individual can make themselves more proficient and valuable in their work.