What is one advantage of using ArcGIS Living Atlas for users?

ArcGIS Living Atlas offers a significant advantage in that it provides easily accessible, curated data. This is particularly beneficial for users who may not have the time or resources to compile and verify datasets themselves. The Living Atlas is a comprehensive collection of geographic information that includes maps, data layers, and other resources, all of which have been carefully curated to ensure quality and relevance. Users can access a wide range of ready-to-use content, which enhances productivity and allows for more efficient analysis and decision-making.

The curation aspect is crucial as it indicates that the data has been vetted for accuracy and is often updated, making it a reliable source for mapping and analysis. This efficiency of access saves users from having to navigate the overwhelming number of datasets available online and helps ensure they are working with the most current and relevant information available for their projects.

In contrast, requiring extensive programming knowledge would limit the usability of data for many users, while having minimal datasets would not provide the necessary breadth of information needed for thorough analysis. Limiting data sources to just federal sources would also severely restrict the variety and richness of available geographic information. Therefore, the ease of access and curated nature of the data truly sets ArcGIS Living Atlas apart as a valuable resource for those in the GIS community