Week #4

Geographical Informational Systems is a remarkable tool with a lot of potential.  For example, it displays spatial relationships, which are very helpful to look at as an archaeologist. For my work in particular, I look for the relationships between Inca shrines and bodies of water, mountains, caves, and other geographically significant landmarks.  GIS and ArcGIS allow me to do just that.

Another advantage to GIS is the function of the layers; it is possible to map and display (or communicate) several pieces of information at a time in a way that communicates the information clearly.  This type of mapping is no longer descriptive; a GIS map offers conclusions far beyond those of an ordinary map.  In addition, it allows the integration of large sets of data through the inclusion of these layers, making it possible to compare different entities.

Naturally, every software and program has its pitfalls.  One disadvantage is its cost.  A normal license for the ArcGIS software can cost $1500 for a private individual.  If not already associated with a university, this cost would certainly deter the common person from learning to use the software.  According to the EIS website, student licenses have a one-year trial limit, and then one has to pay.

Another pitfall to GIS is the amount of time that is needed to learn the program.  While it is certainly worth it, it is not as user friendly as other programs, which has deterred many from using it.  Using my first encounter with ArcGIS as evidence, the software is not intuitive; since I want to learn it to use in my professional life, I will probably have to repeat the tutorial multiple times in order to understand how the program works and what can be done with it.