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)