Intro Lectures

Question 1

What is raster data good for?

Answer 1

• continuous data (as each cell is independent) elevation vs. soil types
• overlays (rasters have same dimensions/resolutions)
• satellite images

Question 2

What does GIS stand for?

Answer 2

Geographic Information System

Question 3

What is Raster Data?

Answer 3

• grid of squares
• similar to an excel spreadsheet
• each box = a picel = cell
• each cell independent and holds a number
• each cell has a fixed size
• x,y coords applied to each axis

Question 4

Give an example of continuos data.

Answer 4

Elevation

Question 5

Give an example of discrete data.

Answer 5

Soils (hard boundaries)

Question 6

What are the 5 components of GIS?

Answer 6

Hardware
Software
Data
People 
Methods

Question 7

What are the 2 components of GIS table

Answer 7

Spatial: captured on map

Attribute: captured on table

Question 8

What are some examples of typical queries done in the analysis phase?

Answer 8

• buffers
• overlays
• 911 routing
• watershed sub basins
• viewshed

Question 9

What is GIS?

Answer 9

A system that uses spatial data to generate clear, understandable geographic images that can be used to aid in decision making.

Question 10

Explain the difference between continuous and discrete data?

Answer 10

Continuous data is map data that has a gradual change and infinite possibilities. i.e. Elevation

Discrete data is map data that has distinct changes. i.e. Soil Type

Question 11

What are the 3 main components of GIS?

Answer 11

Arc map - view and make maps
Arc catalog - manage data
Arc toolbox - analysis/data conversion

Question 12

What are the 3 levels of ArcGis

Answer 12

Arc view - beginner
Arc editor - intermediate
Arc info - full load