(Click to enlarge)
(Extent map for above)
The main advantage of GIS is consolidation of geographic data. When multiple layers of various types of data are combined, geographic patterns begin to emerge. Presenting this data using clear maps makes it easy to read and makes geographic trends immediately obvious. If data were simply displayed in graphs or tables of numbers, it would be much more obscure and citing it to make any arguments would require a good deal of explanation.
GIS software also standardizes geographic data presentation. Maps generated using the same software will tend to look more similar than maps created independently, without the assistance of proprietary software. This further increases readability for people familiar with the world of GIS.
GIS, however, is not without a few pitfalls. GIS software like ArcGIS is tremendously powerful and thus has quite a steep learning curve. Creating effective maps and using such software to its fullest potential requires sufficient training, and may not be intuitive to those trained in traditional methods. GIS software is also very expensive; combined with the learning curve, it may be off-putting to neogeographers who might otherwise be interested.
Effective use of GIS requires a tremendous amount of data, which would be time-consuming to collect. Furthermore, professional GIS-created maps are expected to have a high level of accuracy, so extra caution must be taking in ensuring data is accurate and properly measured.
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