Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the role of 'People' within the five components of a Geographic Information System (GIS)?

  • Guidelines, specifications, and standards for applying GIS.
  • Researchers, technicians, and analysts who use the GIS to ask questions, analyze data, and interpret results. (correct)
  • The functions needed to store, analyze, and display geographic information.
  • The computer systems and networks that run the GIS software.

Raster data is best suited for representing discrete, non-continuous data such as land ownership parcels.

False (B)

What fundamental characteristic distinguishes vector data from raster data in geospatial modeling?

Vector data uses points, lines, and polygons to represent geographic features, whereas raster data uses a grid of cells (pixels) to represent geographic space.

In a vector data model, a collection of geographic entities of the same type, such as all the rivers in a region, is referred to as a '______'.

<p>feature class</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the vector data components with their respective definitions:

<p>Points = Represent locations or singular features with a single coordinate pair. Lines = Represent linear features or connections between points. Polygons = Represent areas or closed regions delineated by a series of connected lines.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the relationship between features and their attributes in a GIS?

<p>Features store spatial information, while attributes store non-spatial information linked to those features. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In ArcGIS Pro, the *.aprx file stores the actual geospatial data used in a project.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the main difference between a 'Feature Class' and a 'Feature Layer' in ArcGIS Pro.

<p>A 'Feature Class' is the actual dataset stored on disk, while a 'Feature Layer' is a representation of that dataset within a map view, defining how it is displayed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Objects in vector format (point, line, or polygon) represent a geographic entity on a digital map and are called '______'.

<p>features</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following ArcGIS Pro interface components with their primary function:

<p>Ribbon = Provides access to a wide range of GIS tools and commands. View = Displays the map or layout. Panes = Provide access to project contents, catalogs, and other supporting information.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key characteristic of the AuthaGraph projection?

<p>It accurately represents the area of all regions and continents. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A 'feature' in GIS must always be a physical, tangible object on the Earth's surface.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the primary purpose of metadata in a GIS project.

<p>Metadata provides documentation about a dataset, including its source, accuracy, creation date, and other relevant information for understanding and using the data appropriately.</p> Signup and view all the answers

A GIS 'feature' requires a '______' type (point, line, or polygon) alongside spatial or location information to be displayed on a map.

<p>geometry</p> Signup and view all the answers

Relate the View and Layout components:

<p>Map View = Displays the data in the GIS project and allows for analysis with that data. Layout View = A virtual paper to display data in the intended format.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary advantage of using a geodatabase (.gdb) over a shapefile (.shp) for storing GIS data?

<p>Geodatabases can store complex data types and relationships, supporting more advanced GIS functionalities. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Shapefiles support storing complex network topologies natively.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe a scenario where using a shapefile might be preferred over a geodatabase, despite the geodatabase's advanced capabilities.

<p>Shapefiles are preferred when data is intended to be shared with a diverse group of users, some of whom may not have access to ESRI-specific software.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The 'Layout View', as opposed to the 'Map View', in ArcGIS Pro displays your virtual ______.

<p>paper</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following attributes with whether they are spatial or non-spatial:

<p>Name of Parcel Owner = Non-Spatial Coordinates of City = Spatial Building Types = Non-Spatial</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered one of the five key components of a Geographic Information System (GIS)?

<p>Data Layers (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

All features within a feature class must have the same coordinate system.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the absence of geoprocessing tools, why might a shapefile still be chosen for data management?

<p>For its simple and widely accessible open data model, shapefiles offer baseline interoperability and ease of data handling.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Features with the same geographic entity can are grouped into a '______'.

<p>feature class</p> Signup and view all the answers

Relate the vector elements with the features they allow you to create:

<p>Line = Paths Polygons = Properties Points = Specific trees</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the the viewing modes displays the data and allows for analysis of the data?

<p>Map View (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

You must save your edits to a geodatabase if edits are being conducted on the Map View.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does a *.aprx file not save your data?

<p>The file connects to the data but does not save the data.</p> Signup and view all the answers

An advantage to using a Geodatabase file is that it supports complex data types, e.g., '______'.

<p>rasters</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the roles of the AuthaGraph projection with its feature:

<p>Area = Represent the area of all regions accurately Shapes = Unreliable</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

People (GIS Component)

Researchers, technicians and analysts who ask questions, choose, collect, analyze data and interpret the results.

Hardware (GIS Component)

The computer systems, technical equipment and networks where GIS operates.

Data (GIS Component)

Spatial data (spatially located), vector data, raster data, image data, and attribute data (non-spatial).

Software (GIS Component)

Provides the functions needed to store, analyze and display geographic information.

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Methods (GIS Component)

Guidelines, specs, procedure and standards for analyzing and applying GIS.

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Vector Data Model

Geospatial data model that represents geographic features using points, lines, and polygons.

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Raster Data Model

Geospatial data model that divides space into discrete cells/pixels.

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Features (Vector Data)

Objects in vector format (point, line, or polygon) representing a geographic entity on a digital map.

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Feature Class

Features representing the same type of geographic entity grouped together.

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Attributes

Non-spatial information about a geographic feature

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ArcGIS Pro Project

Projects in ArcGIS Pro (*.aprx) is a collection of related items: maps, layouts, tables, and data connections.

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Feature (Maps)

A representation of a real-world object on a map with a geometry type and spatial/location information.

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Feature Class (Data)

The data that links the feature class to its vector dataset.

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Feature Layer

Is the 'in-memory' representation of the feature data.

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ArcGIS Pro Interface

Consists of the Map View and Layout View.

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Map View/ Contents

Displays a collection of layers drawn in order for a given map extent and projection.

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Layout View

Used to view your virtual paper

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Shapefile

Non proprietary common sharing format.

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Geodatabase

ESRI Specific geospatial data

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Study Notes

Midterm 2 Information

  • The midterm will be a 20-minute closed book, paper test
  • There will be a short lecture on spatial analysis

Five Components of GIS

  • People: Researchers, technicians, and analysts who ask questions, collect and analyze data and interpret the results
  • Data: Spatial data, which is specially located, including vector data, raster data, and image data, as well as non-spatial attribute data
  • Hardware: The computer systems, technical equipment, and networks on which GIS operates
  • Software: Provides functions needed to store, analyze and display geographic information
  • Methods: Guidelines, specifications, procedures, and standards for analyzing and applying GIS

Geospatial Data Models

  • Vector data is based on:
    • Points
    • Lines
    • Polygons
  • Raster data

Raster Data Model

  • Raster data is composed of pixels or cells
  • Raster data models are for 'continuous' surfaces
    • Examples could be elevation and slope
  • Raster data can be discontinuous with discrete breaks
    • An example could be land cover

Vector Data Model

  • Vector data models are based on points, lines, and polygons
  • Objects in vector format that represent a geographic entity on a digital map are called features
  • Features representing the same type of geographic entity are grouped into a feature class

Vector Model Attributes

  • Points, lines, and polygons are able to be assigned attributes to them
    • Attributes provide non-spatial information about the geographic features
  • Attributes are stored in a table, like a spreadsheet
  • Features are linked to their attributes in the table
  • Each feature is linked to a record (a row) in the table
    • Each feature corresponds to one and only one record in the data table
    • When a feature is selected, its corresponding record in the table is also selected

Projects in ArcGIS Pro

  • Projects, saved as .aprx files, include maps, layouts, tables, charts, and data connections
  • The .aprx file connects to data, but does not store it

ArcGIS Pro User Interface

  • The interface is made up of a ribbon, view, and panes

Creating a Project

  • When creating a project give it a name and choose the folder to save it to
  • A folder with the same name as the project can be created
  • When a project is created, a default geodatabase file (.gdb) which shares the same name as the project

Map View/Contents

  • Displays a collection of layers drawn in a particular order for a given map extent and map projection.

GIS Perspective

  • GIS provides a perspective on the world called AuthaGraph Projection

Features

  • A feature is a representation of a real-world object on a map
    • For example: tree, a school, or a building
  • Features must have a geometry type (point, line, or polygon) and spatial/location information to be displayed on a map
  • A feature is vector data

Feature Class

  • A collection of features (thematically similar) recorded in a vector file
  • It is the data that the feature class links to (i.e., the vector dataset)
  • All features in a feature class share the same geographic extent, coordinate system, and attributes
  • A feature class is a group of similar features saved as a file
  • This is is not the same as a feature layer

Feature Layer

  • A feature layer is created when a feature class is added to a map
    • It is linked to the data stored on a network
    • It contains the common properties for displaying data on a map
  • The original data is not changed when editing, unless working in editing mode
  • The feature layer is the 'in-memory' representation of the feature data, and only exists on the map

ArcGIS Pro - Metadata

  • ArcGIS Pro displays metadata and data properties such as: -Type -Tags -Summary -Description -Credits -Licensing -Extents

Key Terms: Map View and Layout View

  • Map view: viewing data
  • Layout view: viewing your "virtual paper"
  • Layout View provides a representation of geospatial data designed to convey information

Common Geospatial Data Types

  • Shapefile: a non-proprietary, common sharing format
  • Geodatabase files: an ESRI-specific format with more functionalities

Shapefile

  • Shapefiles, with the extension *.shp, use an older ArcGIS data model
  • Vector data only
  • Open data model that is useful for sharing data
  • Has similar basic functionality as newer data models for data entry/display
  • Lacks some functionality (some geoprocessing, topology, network, routing, etc. are not possible)

Geodatabase

  • Geodatabases, with the extension *.gdb, can store complex data types
    • Including rasters, vector datasets, relationships, and topology
  • Fully supported by ArcGIS
  • Multi-user access is possible
  • Proprietary file type

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