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GIS > GIS Final Terms > Flashcards

GIS Final Terms Flashcards

1
Q

What is GIS?

A

GIS (Geographic Information System) is a computerized application that combines an interactive map with a database of related information. It transforms raw data into useful insights.

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2
Q

What is GPS?

A

GPS (Global Positioning System) is a technology for determining precise locations on Earth using a constellation of satellites. It’s distinct from GIS but often used in conjunction with it.

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3
Q

What is the Vector Data Model?

A

The Vector Data Model represents geographic entities as discrete objects: points, lines, or polygons. Each object can have attributes stored in an associated attribute table.

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4
Q

What is the Raster Data Model?

A

The Raster Data Model represents geographic entities as a grid of pixels, where each pixel holds a value representing a single attribute. It’s suitable for representing continuous data.

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5
Q

What is a Feature in GIS?

A

A Feature is a distinct geographic entity, represented as a point, line, or polygon in a vector data model, or as a group of pixels with similar values in a raster data model.

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6
Q

What is an Attribute Table?

A

An Attribute Table is associated with a vector data layer, storing information about each feature in the layer. Each row represents a feature, and each column represents a different attribute.

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7
Q

What is a Point in GIS?

A

A Point is a zero-dimensional vector object representing a specific location.

Examples include wells, landmarks, and cities.

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8
Q

What is a Line in GIS?

A

A Line is a one-dimensional vector object defined by two points connected by a line segment.

Examples include roads, streams, and pipelines.

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9
Q

What is a Polyline?

A

A Polyline is a connected series of line segments.

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10
Q

What is a Polygon in GIS?

A

A Polygon is a two-dimensional vector object formed by a closed polyline, enclosing an area.

Examples include counties, tax parcels, and land use areas.

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11
Q

What is a Pixel?

A

A Pixel is the basic unit of a raster image, representing a square area on the ground.

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12
Q

What does RGB stand for in color models?

A

Red, Green, Blue

RGB is a color model used in raster images, where each pixel’s color is defined by the intensity of red, green, and blue light.

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13
Q

What is the Overlay Function in GIS?

A

A core GIS function enabling the visual and analytical combination of multiple data layers

It helps to understand spatial relationships.

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14
Q

Define Precision in the context of spatial data quality.

A

The degree of variance in repeated measurements of a single entity

Often expressed in terms of standard deviation, indicating the consistency of measurements.

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15
Q

What does Accuracy measure?

A

How close the average of a set of measurements is to the true value

It represents the correctness of measurements.

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16
Q

What is RMSE?

A

Root Mean Square Error

A statistical measure quantifying the accuracy of a dataset, calculated as the square root of the average squared differences between observed values and true values.

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17
Q

Define Systematic Error.

A

A consistent, repeatable error in measurements

Often due to instrument bias or flawed methodology.

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18
Q

What are the National Map Accuracy Standards?

A

A set of standards established by the USGS for the accuracy of maps

They specify the allowable positional error for a certain percentage of well-defined points.

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19
Q

What is Random Error?

A

Unpredictable errors in measurements due to chance variations

These errors are not consistent and can occur randomly.

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20
Q

What does LIDAR stand for?

A

Light Detection and Ranging

A remote sensing method using laser pulses to measure distances and generate highly accurate elevation data.

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21
Q

What is Trilateration?

A

The process of determining a location by measuring distances from multiple known points

It is used in GPS positioning.

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22
Q

What does PDOP stand for?

A

Position Dilution of Precision

A measure of the geometric strength of GPS satellite configuration, affecting the accuracy of position calculations.

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23
Q

What is WAAS?

A

Wide Area Augmentation System

A system enhancing GPS accuracy by providing correction signals, leading to more precise positioning.

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24
Q

Fill in the blank: A _______ is a unique code assigned to each GPS satellite used to differentiate signals and calculate distances.

A

Pseudo-Random Code

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25
Q

What is a GPS satellite used for?

A

To differentiate signals and calculate distances

GPS satellites are essential for determining precise locations on Earth.

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26
Q

What is Differential GPS?

A

A technique improving GPS accuracy by using a reference station with a known position to correct errors in measurements

This method enhances the precision of GPS data.

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27
Q

What does the EM Spectrum represent?

A

The range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, infrared, and microwaves

The EM Spectrum encompasses all forms of electromagnetic radiation.

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28
Q

Define Visible Light.

A

The portion of the EM spectrum that is visible to the human eye, comprising colors from red to violet

Visible light is a small part of the entire electromagnetic spectrum.

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29
Q

What is Infrared radiation?

A

Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light, used in remote sensing for vegetation analysis and temperature mapping

Infrared is important for various environmental studies.

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30
Q

What are Microwaves?

A

Electromagnetic radiation with longer wavelengths than infrared, used in remote sensing for penetrating clouds and imaging Earth’s surface

Microwaves are crucial for weather observation and Earth imaging.

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31
Q

What is a Blackbody?

A

An idealized object that absorbs all incident radiation and emits radiation based on its temperature

Blackbodies are theoretical constructs used in thermodynamics and physics.

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32
Q

What is Spectral Response?

A

The characteristic pattern of reflectance or emission of electromagnetic radiation by different materials

This concept is essential for identifying and differentiating land cover types in remote sensing.

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33
Q

Define Spatial Resolution.

A

The size of the smallest detail that can be distinguished in a remotely sensed image, often expressed as the pixel size

Higher spatial resolution means more detail in images.

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34
Q

What does Spectral Resolution refer to?

A

The ability of a remote sensing sensor to distinguish between different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation

Higher spectral resolution allows for better material identification.

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35
Q

What is Temporal Resolution?

A

The frequency with which a remote sensing sensor acquires data over a particular area

Temporal resolution is important for monitoring changes over time.

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36
Q

What is KVR-1000/SPIN-2?

A

A Russian satellite imagery product providing high-resolution visible-light images

This product is used for various applications in remote sensing.

37
Q

What does SPOT stand for?

A

Satellite Pour l’Observation de la Terre

SPOT satellites are known for high-resolution multispectral imagery.

38
Q

Define Radiometric Resolution.

A

The sensitivity of a remote sensing sensor to variations in electromagnetic energy, affecting the accuracy of brightness measurements

Higher radiometric resolution allows for more precise measurements of energy levels.

39
Q

What is DMSP?

A

DMSP plays a crucial weather forecasting and environmental monitoring.

Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, a US military satellite program providing global weather data including cloud cover and precipitation.

40
Q

What is IKONOS?

A

A commercial Earth observation satellite providing high-resolution imagery.

IKONOS was one of the first satellites to provide high-resolution commercial imagery.

41
Q

What does Landsat provide?

A

Moderate-resolution multispectral imagery.

Landsat is a long-running US Earth observation satellite program.

42
Q

What is MODIS?

A

A sensor on NASA’s Terra and Aqua satellites providing moderate-resolution imagery for monitoring Earth’s vegetation, land surface temperature, and other parameters.

MODIS stands for Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer.

43
Q

What does GPM stand for?

A

Global Precipitation Measurement.

GPM is a NASA satellite mission providing global precipitation data.

44
Q

What does SMOS measure?

A

Soil moisture and ocean salinity using microwave radiometry.

SMOS stands for Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity.

45
Q

What is the purpose of GRACE?

A

To measure changes in Earth’s gravity field, providing insights into water storage, ice mass changes, and other phenomena.

GRACE stands for Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment.

46
Q

What does TOPEX/POSEIDON measure?

A

Sea level and ocean circulation using radar altimetry.

TOPEX/POSEIDON was a joint NASA-French mission.

47
Q

What does SMAP measure?

A

Soil moisture using both active and passive microwave sensors.

SMAP stands for Soil Moisture Active Passive.

48
Q

What is the TRMM/GPM?

A

A series of NASA missions providing global rainfall data.

TRMM stands for Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission.

49
Q

What is normalization in geographic analysis?

A

The process of transforming raw attribute values to facilitate meaningful comparisons, often by dividing by a common factor like area or population.

Normalization helps in comparing data across different scales.

50
Q

What is buffering in geographic analysis?

A

Creating a polygon around a geographic feature at a specified distance, used to analyze proximity and potential impacts.

Buffering helps in understanding the spatial relationships between features.

51
Q

What is distance cost analysis?

A

This analysis helps in optimizing routes and understanding accessibility.

Determining the cost or effort required to travel between locations, considering factors like distance, terrain, and barriers

52
Q

What is Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW)?

A

An interpolation method estimating values at unsampled locations based on the weighted average of values at nearby known points.

IDW is often used in geographical information systems for spatial analysis.

53
Q

What does Kriging refer to in geostatistics?

A

A geostatistical interpolation method estimating values at unsampled locations based on the spatial correlation of known values.

Kriging is a sophisticated technique that accounts for the spatial arrangement of data points.

54
Q

Define Boolean Algebra.

A

A system of logical operations using AND, OR, and NOT to refine data selections.

Boolean Algebra is fundamental in computer science and digital circuit design.

55
Q

What is the purpose of Time Series Analysis?

A

Analyzing data over time to detect trends and patterns.

Time Series Analysis is commonly used in economics, finance, and environmental studies.

56
Q

What are Comparison Maps?

A

Maps designed to highlight differences or changes between datasets or over time.

Comparison Maps can be useful in visualizing changes such as land use or climate data.

57
Q

What is Set Algebra in data analysis?

A

Using mathematical operators to perform calculations and manipulations on datasets.

Set Algebra is used in various fields including database management and statistics.

58
Q

What does DLG stand for?

A

Digital Line Graphic.

DLG is a vector data format representing various features from USGS topographic maps.

59
Q

What is a TIN?

A

Triangulated Irregular Network, a vector data model representing a surface as a network of interconnected triangles.

TIN is often used for elevation data analysis.

60
Q

Define DEM.

A

Digital Elevation Model, a raster data model representing elevation data as a grid of pixels.

DEMs are crucial for terrain analysis and modeling.

61
Q

What is a Contour Line?

A

A line on a map connecting points of equal elevation.

Contour lines help in visualizing the terrain’s shape and slope.

62
Q

What does Contour Interval refer to?

A

The vertical distance between adjacent contour lines.

Contour intervals are important for understanding the steepness of terrain.

63
Q

What is VMAP-0?

A

Vector Map Level 0, a global digital elevation model product.

VMAP-0 provides a base for various mapping applications.

64
Q

What is the NED?

A

National Elevation Dataset, a seamless elevation dataset covering the US.

NED is vital for environmental and planning purposes.

65
Q

What does ETOP02 represent?

A

A global digital elevation model with a resolution of 2 arc-minutes.

ETOP02 is used for global topographic studies.

66
Q

What is GTOPO30?

A

A global digital elevation model with a resolution of 30 arc-seconds.

GTOPO30 is utilized for various geographical analyses.

67
Q

Define Viewshed.

A

The area visible from a specific point, considering terrain and other obstacles.

Viewshed analysis is important in fields like urban planning and environmental studies.

68
Q

What is the Space Shuttle Topography Mission?

A

A mission mapping Earth’s topography using radar interferometry.

This mission utilized advanced radar technology to create detailed maps of the Earth’s surface.

69
Q

What does NHD stand for?

A

National Hydrography Dataset

A comprehensive dataset of US surface water features.

70
Q

What is the purpose of the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI)?

A

A dataset mapping the location and extent of wetlands in the US.

This inventory helps in wetland conservation and management efforts.

71
Q

Define Minimum Mapping Unit (MMU).

A

The smallest area that can be reliably mapped and distinguished in a dataset.

MMU is critical in ensuring data accuracy in geographic information systems.

72
Q

What is STATSGO?

A

A generalized soil dataset for the US at a scale of 1:250,000.

It provides soil information for broad planning purposes.

73
Q

What does FEMA 100-year Floodplain represent?

A

An area with a 1% chance of being flooded in any given year.

This designation helps in flood risk management and insurance planning.

74
Q

What is SSURGO?

A

A detailed soil survey dataset for the US at a scale of 1:24,000.

It offers more specific soil information than STATSGO for local planning.

75
Q

What does NLCD stand for?

A

National Land Cover Database

A dataset mapping land cover types across the US.

76
Q

What is a Reference Map?

A

A map providing general information about geographic features and locations, such as topographic maps.

Reference maps are used for navigation and general orientation.

77
Q

Define Thematic Map.

A

A map designed to convey a specific theme or topic, using visual techniques to represent data.

Thematic maps are useful in analyzing spatial patterns.

78
Q

What does Data Aggregation mean?

A

Combining data from smaller units into larger units for mapping and analysis.

This process is essential for summarizing information and revealing broader trends.

79
Q

What is a Choropleth Map?

A

A thematic map using different colors or shades to represent data values within predefined areas, like counties or states.

Choropleth maps are commonly used in demographic studies.

80
Q

Define Dot Density Map.

A

A thematic map using dots to represent the density of a phenomenon within an area.

These maps visually emphasize the concentration of data points.

81
Q

What is an Isopleth Map?

A

A thematic map using lines to connect points of equal value, often used for continuous data like temperature or elevation.

Isopleth maps help visualize gradients in data.

82
Q

What does a Graduated Circle Map represent?

A

A thematic map using circles of varying sizes to represent data values at specific points.

The size of the circles indicates the magnitude of the data.

83
Q

What is the Equal Interval Classification Method?

A

A data classification method dividing the data range into equal-sized intervals.

This method is straightforward but may not reflect natural data distributions.

84
Q

What is the Natural Breaks Classification Method?

A

This method helps to identify patterns in data distribution.

A data classification method grouping data values based on natural breaks or gaps in the data distribution.

85
Q

What is quintile?

A

A data classification method dividing the data into five groups

86
Q

What is a county?

A

A political subdivision of census blocks,providing a more detailed level of aggregation and mapping

87
Q

What is a census tract?

A

A small, relatively permanentstatistical subdivision of a county,used by the us census, bureau.

88
Q

Block group

A

A collection of census blocks,providing a more detailed level of geographic aggregation than census tracts.

89
Q

Block

A

The smallest geographic unit used by the U.S. Census bureau, generally bounded by streets or other physical features

GIS (2 decks)

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