GIS fundamentals: raster-vector data, functions (conversion, editing, analysis), DEM and georeferencing (projections, datum). - One Line Questions

1. The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) system divides the Earth into zones. What is the width of each UTM zone? 6 degrees of longitude
2. What is the relationship between a datum and a projection? A datum defines the reference surface, and a projection transforms this 3D surface onto a 2D plane.
3. What is a Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN)? A vector data structure using irregularly spaced points and triangles to represent surfaces
4. What is a datum in GIS? A reference surface (ellipsoid) and its orientation to the Earth's center
5. What is the 'false easting' in a projected coordinate system? A value added to the x-coordinate to avoid negative numbers
6. A conformal projection preserves: Shape (angles)
7. Which of the following is NOT a type of map projection distortion? Attribute distortion
8. In raster analysis, the process of calculating the steepest downslope direction from each cell is known as: Aspect calculation
9. Overlay analysis in GIS combines: Two or more layers to create a new layer
10. Which function is used to aggregate features with the same attribute value into a single feature? Dissolve
11. A map projection that preserves distance from one or two central points to all other points on the map is called: Equidistant
12. Which map projection property aims to maintain the correct size of features relative to each other? Equivalent (Area)
13. The process of adding or modifying attributes associated with geographic features in a GIS is called: Editing
14. Which GIS function involves performing spatial operations on data to derive new information, such as calculating buffer zones or overlaying layers? Analysis
15. If you have data georeferenced to NAD27 and need to combine it with data in WGS84, what process is required? Datum transformation
16. Which GIS function is essential for ensuring that different geographic datasets can be accurately compared and analyzed together? Georeferencing and projection definition
17. Which GIS function is critical for ensuring spatial data accuracy and consistency over time? All of the above
18. The difference between two datums, like NAD27 and WGS84, is primarily due to: Different ellipsoids and reference points used
19. What does DEM stand for in the context of GIS? Digital Elevation Model
20. Which of the following is a common raster data format used in GIS? JPEG 2000
21. Which GIS function involves changing data from one format to another, e.g., from vector to raster? Conversion
22. When converting a raster DEM to contours (vector lines), what is the primary GIS function involved? Conversion
23. Georeferencing is the process of: Assigning geographic coordinates to data
24. What is the primary advantage of the vector data model for representing discrete features like roads or buildings? Precise representation of location and shape
25. The process of cutting out a portion of a dataset based on the boundary of another layer is called: Clip
26. Which GIS function is used to modify the geometry or attributes of existing features? Editing
27. A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) is a type of GIS data that represents: Surface elevation
28. What does a higher cell resolution in a raster dataset imply? More spatial detail and larger file size
29. Which projection is widely used for mapping mid-latitude areas and is known for preserving area? Albers Equal-Area Conic
30. Which type of map projection is ideal for mapping the entire world if preserving area is the highest priority? Lambert Azimuthal Equal-Area projection
31. Which datum is commonly used for GPS measurements and is considered a global standard? WGS84 (World Geodetic System 1984)
32. Which GIS analysis operation would you use to find all parcels within 500 meters of a river? Buffer
33. Which of the following is a key component of a vector data model? Vertices and coordinates
34. Which GIS data format represents features as discrete geometric objects with explicit coordinates? Vector
35. A shapefile (.shp) is an example of which GIS data model? Vector
36. Which data model is generally preferred for representing precise boundaries of administrative regions or property lines? Vector
37. What is the primary difference between raster and vector data models in GIS? Raster uses grid cells, vector uses points, lines, and polygons.
38. What is the term for the process of assigning a geographic coordinate system to a raster image that does not have one? Georeferencing
39. A projection is a systematic transformation of the curved surface of the Earth into a flat surface. What is the primary challenge addressed by map projections? Minimizing distortion of shape, area, distance, or direction
40. Which GIS analysis technique is used to determine the visibility of locations from one or more viewpoints? Viewshed analysis
41. What information can be derived from a DEM? Slope, aspect, and watershed boundaries
42. What is the main characteristic of a raster dataset's resolution? The geographic area covered by a single cell
43. What is the purpose of georeferencing in GIS? To align geographic data with a known coordinate system
44. What is the primary purpose of a coordinate system in GIS? To locate geographic features in real-world space
45. What is the purpose of a 'topology' in GIS, particularly in vector data? To define the spatial relationships between features (e.g., adjacency, connectivity)
46. A DEM is typically stored as which type of GIS data model? Raster
47. In GIS, which data model is best suited for representing continuous phenomena like elevation or temperature? Raster data model
48. A geodetic datum provides the basis for: Measuring locations accurately on the Earth's surface
49. What is the fundamental unit of a raster data model? Cell (or Pixel)