Week 1 - ArcGIS Overview

"Countries by Population" is my first map lab assignment in my GIS-4043 Introduction to GIS class.

I got my feet wet in this lesson by understanding the importance of following very detailed instructions, as well as comprehending the layout and structure of lab assignments.

We covered ArcGIS "must-know" basics such as customizing your ArcMap with commonly used Toolbars, using Symbology and Map Extents, inserting Text, Legends, North Arrows, and more.

We also covered the differences between Layout and Edit Views, the importance of creating and maintaining Metadata, Selections, and the different ways data can be accessed in the Attribute Table. All of these tools and features were used to create this map.

Finally, we went over all of the Help Resources available to us through ArcGIS software and website. This is especially important since GIS practitioners tend to cultivate a "troubleshooting mindset" to solve the many hiccups that come along with working with GIS.