The fourth lab was an introduction to ArcGIS. We started by learning how ArcGIS evolved as a software. We had to create two basic maps for the assignment. This was the first time I used ArcGIS. It was a very exciting software in the sense that we could generate world maps, road maps etc. add layers to the map, extract data from the map. We got familiar with many functions and features of GIS. As I proceeded in this exercise, I was able out to figure more and more features of ArcGIS. We could add pre-designed map layers to the data frame and have additional layers to augment any data or theme. A file containing a map, its layers, display information and other elements used in ArcGIS is called a *.mxd file. The table of contents lists all the layers on the map and shows what the features in each layer represent. It is very useful for a working platform. A data frame is the most fundamental element in a map document and in the ArcGIS user interface. When you create a map, it contains a default data frame listed in the table of contents as Layers. Hence these terms are basic and important. A map layer represents geographic data in ArcGIS such as rivers, lakes, streams, major roads, political boundaries etc. The attribute table links the map to the data in the traditional way where rows have the same kind of columns and the columns have the same type of data sets. ArcGIS has been a great software in the field of mapping and by the end of this exercise I did get a hang of how to use ArcGIS for the most basic functions. I was bale to make three maps, the first being a world map with loximuthal projection and showing drainage patterns in a second layer, a second map of Florida showing population of 1990 and a map of Georgia showing owner occupied homes. 
Lab 4: Lab Blog:-
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