Introduction to GIS

ArcGIS: Benefits and Drawbacks

GIS is an important tool that allows individuals to pose, answer and articulate questions regarding a variety of topics. This unique tool presents data information in a geographical model. Consequently, it allows one to preview the past, visualize the present, or predict the future. Despite such benefits, the program itself has pitfalls. Overall, GIS is a program with many benefits and difficulties.

To begin with, the program’s ability to present and integrate information is very beneficial. In the exercise, I was able to present noise information alongside school information. Such integration can help make information on how to develop the area. More generally, by allowing individuals to incorporate different information, the program can help make informed decisions. Furthermore, the program’s use of different layers allows individuals to have complete control on what types of information to portray. This control is necessary on any project one may undertake. Additionally, controlling the coloring scheme is another valuable tool. In presenting the population density, one can clearly, quickly and efficiently understand the figure. Lastly, the program can analyze data that is input. One example is the graph created using the program. In general, the program is very successful in allowing the user to control all aspects of his or her presentation.

On the contrary, the program is very difficult to use and master. One must remember that for all its controllability, the program must embed options for them. Consequently, one can easily become frustrated and lost while using the program. Despite my computing skills being above average, I did run into a couple small problems. One problem was managing all the layers. Many times I found myself working on the wrong layer and adjusting changes. Thus, the benefit of having layers can also lead to some difficulties in managing them. For a technologically inept individual, it is very easy to see how such a program may cause confusion. In comparison to programs used for neogeography, ArcGIS is not as user-friendly. GIS is a tool to be used by trained experts rather than ordinary users. Thus, the drawback of such a useful tool is the interface that new-users may find confusing.

As one can see, GIS is a high technical visualization tool that can be used for numerous purposes. Its biggest benefit is its flexibility in types of tools and analysis. The amount of information that can be efficiently stored, controlled and presented makes it very helpful. However, its flexibility is also a draw back as users can quickly get lost in a multitude of buttons. Thus, GIS is a tool that takes time and practice to master.

UCLA Campus Landmarks and Walking Tour

View UCLA Visual Map in a larger map


Neogeography is people using or making their very own maps to display geographic information. One such example is My Maps as seen above. Through My Maps, an individual is able to create his or her own map and plot media and other data. Typically, neogeography can be characterized as amateur, user-friendly, open source, and unrestricted. Based on the map provided, one may feel that neogeography is a harmless. However, there are quite a few possible pitfalls and consequences of neogeography.


There are both positive and negative consequences of neogeography. Positive consequences include the ability to access information quickly and effectively. For example, on the map presented, one may find images of historic and salient buildings of the UCLA campus. Additionally, one may take a quick tour following the path. However, the ability to access information quickly and effectively can also be a negative consequence. In this map, the images show individuals without their consent, which brings up the issue of privacy. Furthermore, pitfalls of neogeography include the creator's bias. Clearly, all the buildings of UCLA are not included and the path does not wander to south campus. This bias does exist in the most innocent of maps. On other maps however, biases may not be quite innocent. Thus, the information given to users can be manipulated at the will of the creator.

Beverly Hills Topographic Map

Questions for Lab 2

1. What is the name of the quadrangle?

The name of the quadrangle is "Beverly Hills Quadrangle"

2. What are the names of the adjacent quadrangles?

The names of adjacent quadrangles are Canoga Park, Van Nuys, Burbank, Topanga, Hollywood, Venice, and Inglewood.

3. When was the quadrangle first created?

The map quadrangle was first created in 1966.

4. What datum was used to create your map?

Datum used to create this map are the North American Datum of 1927 and the North American Datum of 1983.

5. What is the scale of the map?

The scale of the map is 1:24,000.

6. At the above scale, answer the following: a) 5 centimeters on the map is equivalent to how many meters on the ground?

5 centimeters on the map is equivalent to 1200 meters on the ground.

b) 5 inches on the map is equivalent to how many miles on the ground?

5 inches on the map is equivalent to 1.89 miles on the ground.

c) one mile on the ground is equivalent to how many inches on the map?

One mile on the ground is equivalent to 2.64 inches on the map.

d) three kilometers on the ground is equivalent to how many centimeters on the map?

3 kilometers on the ground is equivalent to 12.5 centimeters on the map.

7. What is the contour interval on your map?

The contour interval on the map is 20 feet.

8. What are the approximate geographic coordinates in both degrees/minutes/seconds and decimal degrees of:
a) the Public Affairs Building;

Lat: 34 Degrees 4' 22" ; Long: -118 Degrees 26' 24"
Lat: 34.073 Degrees ; Long: -118.440 Degrees

b) the tip of Santa Monica pier;

Lat: 34 Degrees 0' 25" ; Long: -118 Degrees 29' 56"
Lat: 34.007 Degrees ; Long: -118.499 Degrees

c) the Upper Franklin Canyon Reservoir;

Lat: 34 Degrees 7'10'' ; Long: -118 Degrees 24' 37"
Lat: 34.119 Degrees ; Long: -118.410 Degrees

9. What is the approximate elevation in both feet and meters of:
a) Greystone Mansion (in Greystone Park);

The elevation of Greystone Mansion is approximately 560 Feet or 170.6 Meters.

b) Woodlawn Cemetery;

The elevation of Woodlawn Cemetery is 140 Feet or 42.6 Meters.

c) Crestwood Hills Park;

The elevation of Crestwood Hills Park is 620 Feet or 188.9 Meters

10. What is the UTM zone of the map?

The UTM zone of the map is zone 11.

11. What are the UTM coordinates for the lower left corner of your map?

The approximate UTM coordinates for the lower left corner of the map is 3763000 and 0361500.

12. How many square meters are contained within each cell (square) of the UTM gridlines?

1000000 square meters are contained within each cell of the UTM grid lines.

13. Obtain elevation measurements, from west to east along the UTM northing 3771000, where the eastings of the UTM grid intersect the northing. Create an elevation profile using these measurements in Excel (hint: create a line chart). Figure out how to label the elevation values to the two measurements on campus. Insert your elevation profile as a graphic in your blog.

14. What is the magnetic declination of the map?

The magnetic declination of the map is 14 Degrees East.

15. In which direction does water flow in the intermittent stream between the 405 freeway and Stone Canyon Reservoir?

The direction of water flow of the intermittent stream between the 405 freeway and the Stone Canyon Reservoir is south.

16. Crop out (i.e., cut and paste) UCLA from the map and include it as a graphic on your blog.