class review Flashcards
true or false:
Projection is an example of a little lie in map making - one that is unavoidable.
True.
Projection is an example of a little lie in map-making because translating a 3D Earth onto a 2D map inevitably introduces distortions in area, shape, distance, or direction. These distortions are unavoidable due to the limitations of the mapping process.
True or false. Borders are always drawn in the same place no matter who creates the map.
False.
Borders are not always drawn in the same place and can vary depending on the map creator’s political, cultural, or ideological perspectives. For example, disputed territories like Kashmir or the South China Sea are depicted differently on maps from various countries.
what is an example of how maps have been used for propaganda purposes
During World War II, Nazi propaganda maps exaggerated territorial threats to justify aggressive expansion. Similarly, Cold War-era maps highlighted ideological divides to support political narratives, such as depicting the Soviet Union as a looming threat to Western democracies.
What is ecological fallacy? Provide an example of the phenomenon.
Ecological fallacy occurs when assumptions about individuals are made based on group-level data.
Example: Assuming everyone in a wealthy neighborhood is rich because the area’s average income is high, ignoring individual variations.
True or false. If two variables are correlated across space, one must be causing the other.
False.
Correlation between two variables across space does not imply causation. Spatial correlation may occur due to shared underlying factors, coincidence, or other indirect relationships. Always investigate further to establish causality.
positive spatial autocorrelation
Positive spatial autocorrelation occurs when similar values (e.g., points of the same color) are clustered together in space, as observed in the distinct groups of orange and blue points in the image.
tobler’s first law of geography
“Everything is related to everything else, but near things are more related than distant things.”
Explanation:
This foundational principle of geography emphasizes spatial dependence, where phenomena that are closer together tend to have stronger relationships or similarities than those farther apart.
Example:
Climate: Temperatures in neighboring areas are more similar than temperatures in areas farther apart.
Urban Planning: Housing prices in a neighborhood are more likely to be similar than those in distant neighborhoods.
Tobler’s Law underpins concepts like spatial autocorrelation and proximity analysis in geographic studies.
what’s the difference between euclidean and network distance
Euclidean Distance:
Definition: The straight-line distance between two points, measured “as the crow flies.”
Key Features:
Ignores physical barriers like roads, buildings, or terrain.
Fast and simple to calculate.
Example: The direct distance between two cities on a map.
Network Distance:
Definition: The actual distance traveled along paths, such as roads, railways, or networks.
Key Features:
Accounts for real-world constraints like detours, turns, and infrastructure.
More realistic for navigation and routing.
Example: The driving distance between two cities via highways and streets.
Summary:
Euclidean Distance: Simplified, straight-line measurement.
Network Distance: Real-world, path-based measurement accounting for physical travel constraints.
what is the modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP). what are the 2 effects involved with the problem?
The MAUP refers to the issue where the results of spatial analysis change based on how data is aggregated into geographic units or zones. This can significantly influence conclusions drawn from the data.
Two Effects Involved:
Scale Effect:
Results differ when data is aggregated at different scales or levels of detail (e.g., census tracts, counties, or states).
Example: A pattern may appear at a state level but disappear when examined at the county level.
Zone Effect:
Results vary based on how the boundaries of geographic units are defined or drawn, even if the scale remains constant.
Example: Changing the boundaries of districts can alter observed patterns, such as gerrymandering in electoral maps.
Key Implication:
The MAUP highlights the need for careful consideration when choosing scales and boundaries for spatial analysis to avoid misleading results.
Which event is considered to be a major turning point in the implementation of surveillance tech?
a) world war 1
b) the 2008 market crash
c) the terrorist attacks of Sept 11, 2001
d) industrial revolution
(c) The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Explanation:
The 9/11 attacks marked a major turning point in the implementation and expansion of surveillance technology. Governments worldwide, particularly in the United States, increased surveillance efforts significantly through measures like the Patriot Act, which allowed for extensive data collection, phone tapping, and electronic monitoring to enhance national security.
what is RFID
Definition:
RFID is a wireless technology that uses radio waves to identify and track objects, animals, or people through embedded tags.
Key Components:
RFID Tag: Contains a microchip and antenna to store and transmit data.
Active Tags: Have an internal power source (battery) and can transmit over longer distances.
Passive Tags: Powered by the reader’s signal and have a shorter range.
RFID Reader: Sends and receives radio signals to communicate with the tags.
Backend System: Processes and stores the data collected from the tags.
Applications:
Retail: Tracking inventory and preventing theft
Transportation: Contactless payment systems like toll passes.
Healthcare: Tracking medical equipment and patient records.
Supply Chain: Monitoring product movement.
Personal Identification: Embedded in passports, access cards, and ID badges.
Advantages:
Quick and automated data collection.\n- No direct line of sight required, unlike barcodes.
Can store more data than traditional barcodes.
Concerns:
Privacy issues, as RFID tags can potentially be read without consent.
Security vulnerabilities, such as unauthorized access to stored information.
what are 3 major drivers of the expansion of surveillance over the last century?
Technological Advancements:
The rise of computerization, miniaturization, and interconnected devices (e.g., smartphones, IoT) has made data collection and analysis faster and more efficient.
Tools like RFID tags, facial recognition, and satellites have significantly expanded surveillance capabilities.
Politics of Fear:
Events like the Cold War, the terrorist attacks of 9/11, and ongoing geopolitical tensions have justified increased surveillance for national security.
Governments have used fear of terrorism, espionage, or dissent to expand surveillance infrastructure (e.g., the Patriot Act in the U.S.).
Data Personalization and Commercial Interests:
The rise of digital platforms and social media has normalized the collection of personal data for targeted advertising and services.
Companies track user behavior to refine products and marketing, effectively making surveillance a core component of modern business models.
Summary:
These drivers—technological progress, security concerns, and commercial interests—have intertwined, creating a surveillance ecosystem that impacts nearly every aspect of modern life.
what is one positive and one negative impact of the increased geospatial tech in our society?
One Positive Impact:
Improved Disaster Response and Management:
Geospatial technologies like GIS, satellite imaging, and remote sensing enable real-time tracking of natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, wildfires) and efficient resource allocation.
Example: Mapping affected areas during the Haiti earthquake (2010) helped direct aid and rescue efforts quickly and effectively.
One Negative Impact:
Erosion of Privacy:
Increased surveillance capabilities through geospatial tech, such as facial recognition and location tracking, have raised concerns about data misuse and loss of individual privacy.
Example: Continuous tracking through smartphones or IoT devices can collect sensitive personal data without user consent.
Which is an example of VGI
a) canadian census
b) elevation data collected by the united states geological survey
c) endangered species locations collected by the ontario gov
d) people recording their runs on the strava app
d) Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) involves individuals voluntarily providing geographic data. Strava users recording their runs contribute geospatial data that reflects their activity patterns, making it a prime example of VGI. In contrast, the other options involve institutional or government-collected data, not volunteered contributions.
What is an advantage of open street map
a) it is free and open access
b) maintained by volunteers from all over the world
c) in some parts of the world it is the most accurate map
d) all of the above
(d) All of the above.
Explanation:
OpenStreetMap (OSM) has multiple advantages:
Free and Open Access: Anyone can use it without cost, making it widely accessible.
Maintained by Volunteers: Contributors from around the world continuously update the map.
Most Accurate in Some Areas: In regions where commercial maps are outdated or unavailable, OSM is often the most accurate and detailed mapping resource.
