Final (study with midterm) Flashcards
different data types (2)
stocks and flows
4 different scales of measurement
nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio
what is a nominal measurement?
set of categories (land use)
what is an ordinal measurement?
order elements based on the degree to which they possess some characteristics (classes of roads)
what is an interval measurement?
exact magnitudes, but no absolute zero (spot heights, temperature)
what is a ratio measurement?
measures relative to an absolute zero point
3 different types of surface geometry
discrete (0 elevation except at data points), stepped (change in value at neighborhood boundary), and continuous (no sharp breaks in surface, but can have steep slopes)
advantages of dot maps (3)
simple to compile, clearly shows location details and spatial distribution of the values, and easy to understand
disadvantages of dot maps (5)
do not show exact quantities, difficult to estimate absolute densities, limited to showing overall spatial patterns, usually limited to showing one variable unless use different symbols or colors, and not effective unless there are significant variations in density
what is a nomograph
developed by J Ross MacKay, can be used to determine dot size by choosing three sample areas having low, average, and high density, and calculate the number of dots per sq cm required for low and high density areas
two different types of isarithms
isometric lines based on data collected at specific points and isoplethic lines based on arbitrary points
different characteristics of isolines (3)
closed loops, isolines never cross, and constant interval
what is a topographic map?
maps that portray the shape or form of the land surface
different types of contour inaccuracies
choice of contour interval (depends on terrain), and how do you depict overhanging cliffs, rock arches, and stepped surfaces
what do optimal contour maps require? (4)
accurate ground survey, accurate photogrammetry (no clouds, forest), optimum choice of scale and contour interval, and accuracy standards
what is jungraugruppe und aletschgletscher by E. Imhof a good example of?
a terrain map effectively using contours and colour
challenges associated with terrain visualization (4)
accuracy dependent on measurement interval, technique is difficult, multiple techniques can be used in combination, and its hard to balance simplification and accuracy
4 different types of cartographic abstraction
selection, generalization, classification, and symbolization
different design considerations (5)
map purpose (determines emphasis), audience (skill of intended audience), topic (map projection), format and scale (constraints on design), and production/reproduction methods
what is the importance of map design? (3)
maps are a form of communication, good design ensures correct interpretation, and good design reflects the needs of the user
what are the five goals of map design?
clarity, visual contrast, figure-ground relationship, hierarchy, and balance
what are the two different types of errors in map making?
inherent (positional, attribute, logical errors, and completeness) and operational errors (associated with the data)
what is the US invasion of Grenada in 1983 an example of?
error, they relied on outdated british maps and accidentally bombed a hospital
what is scale factor?
scale factor is ratio of actual map scale to principal map scale
4 different types of maps (internet GIS)
simple static maps, basic interactive maps, interactive maps with visualization/analysis, and participatory - Web 2.0
