Getting to know GIS Learning Modules - Terminology Review
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Which of the following best describes the purpose of a 'filter' in a GIS?

  • To convert spatial data into a different format, such as from shapefile to geodatabase.
  • To permanently delete features from a map or attribute table.
  • To temporarily hide features in a map or attribute table, allowing for focused analysis. (correct)
  • To create new features by combining existing features.

    • What is the primary function of a 'geoprocessing tool' in a GIS?

  • To interpret the meaning of spatial data.
  • To collect geographic data from remote sensing satellites.
  • To create and manage spatial data. (correct)
  • To display geographic features on a map.

    • What is a 'basemap' in the context of a GIS system?

  • A layer that displays specific features, such as roads or rivers.
  • A map containing fundamental geographic information, like landforms, roads, and boundaries. (correct)
  • A digital image representing the Earth's surface.
  • A tool that allows users to interact with and explore spatial data.

    • What distinguishes a 'layer' in a GIS from a 'feature'?

    <p>A layer is a collection of related geographic features, while a feature represents a single real-world object. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of GIS data, what is the primary function of an 'attribute table'?

    <p>To store and manage nonspatial information about geographic features. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the relationship between 'features' and 'attributes' in a GIS?

    <p>Attributes provide nonspatial information about features, while features represent real-world objects. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of a 'legend' in a GIS map?

    <p>To provide a key to interpret the symbols and colors used in a map. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a nonspatial attribute that could be associated with a river feature in a GIS?

    <p>The river's average flow rate in cubic meters per second. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is NOT a component of spatial analysis?

    <p>Designing a thematic map (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a thematic map?

    <p>To depict specific themes or data sets (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the concept of 'service credits' in the context of ArcGIS Online?

    <p>Units of currency used to pay for access to ArcGIS Online (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A scale of 1:25,000 on a map implies that:

    <p>One unit on the map represents 25,000 units on the ground (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of GIS, what is a 'query'?

    <p>A set of rules used to filter and analyze data (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A 'query' in a GIS is a specific request to extract information based on certain criteria applied to spatial data.

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

    A 'workflow' in GIS refers to a sequence of predefined steps used to automate data processing tasks.

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

    A 'scale' of 1:50,000 on a map indicates that 1 unit on the map represents 50,000 units on the ground.

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

    The term 'symbol' in GIS always refers to an abstract shape that represents a geographical feature.

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

    Service credits are used to pay for a subscription to ArcGIS Online.

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

    A "buffer" in GIS is a process that creates a new layer of spatially related data by expanding around a point, line, or area feature.

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

    A "filter" in GIS is a tool that permanently removes selected features that are not desired in the current analysis.

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

    In a GIS attribute table, each "row" represents a specific attribute and each "column" represents a feature.

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

    A "basemap" in GIS is a layer containing various data, such as elevation and land use, used to provide a base for displaying other layers.

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

    The term "geoprocessing" in GIS specifically refers to the process of converting geospatial data into a different format, such as from raster to vector.

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

    A "GIS Layer" in a map is a collection of features with the same theme but may exhibit different geometries and attributes.

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

    A "geospatial technology" refers specifically to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), as it is the most commonly used method for acquiring and manipulating geographic data.

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

    A "legend" in a GIS map displays the spatial relationships between different geographic features, such as proximity or overlap.

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

    A ______ is a request to select features or records from a database.

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

    Service credits are the ______ for ArcGIS Online.

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

    A ______ map is created to convey information about a specific topic, such as population density.

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

    A ______ is a graphic that represents a geographic feature or class of features.

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

    The process of examining locations, attributes, and relationships of features in spatial data to gain insights is known as ______ analysis.

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

    In GIS, an attribute is nonspatial information about a geographic feature, usually stored in a ______.

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

    A ______ is an area that covers a given distance from a point, line, or area feature in GIS.

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

    Geoprocessing in GIS refers to operations used to manipulate GIS ______.

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

    In GIS, a ______ is a representation of a real-world object on a map.

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

    A ______ in GIS describes the types of features included in a map, often using symbols.

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

    A ______ table in GIS contains information about a set of geographic features, with rows for each feature.

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

    A ______ is a collection of related features in a GIS map, usually sharing a specific theme.

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

    GIS utilizes ______ technology to acquire and manipulate geographic data.

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

    Flashcards

    metadata

    Information that describes the characteristics of data.

    query

    A request to select features or records from a database.

    scale

    The ratio between a map distance and actual ground distance.

    thematic map

    A map designed to show information on a single topic, like population density.

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    workflow

    A set of tasks carried out in a specific order to achieve a goal.

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    Attribute

    Nonspatial information about a geographic feature in GIS, usually in a table linked by a unique identifier.

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    Attribute Table

    A table containing information about geographic features, with rows as features and columns as attributes.

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    Basemap

    A map depicting locational reference information such as landforms and political boundaries.

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    Buffer

    An area that covers a specified distance around a point, line, or area feature in GIS.

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    Feature

    A representation of a real-world object on a map.

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    Geoprocessing

    A GIS operation used to manipulate GIS data by performing tasks on input datasets to produce output datasets.

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    Layer

    A collection of related features in a GIS map that share the same theme, geometry, and attributes.

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    Legend

    A description of types of features on a map, often including symbols or examples.

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    Field

    A column in a table that stores values for a single attribute.

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    Filter

    A GIS operation that hides features in a map or attribute table without deleting them.

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    Geoprocessing Tool

    An ArcGIS tool used to create or modify spatial data through various functions.

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    Geospatial Technology

    Technological approaches, like GIS and remote sensing, for acquiring geographic data.

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    Solid Matter

    Sediment load measured at a gauging station, indicating river health.

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    Spatial Data Layers

    Layers in GIS that contain geographic features and their attributes.

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    Analyzing Data

    Using GIS to explore and make sense of geographic information.

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    Hot Spots Analysis

    A function within geoprocessing to identify areas with high concentrations of features.

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    service credits

    The currency used in ArcGIS Online for specific functions.

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    spatial analysis

    Examining locations and relationships in spatial data for insights.

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    symbol

    A graphic representing a geographic feature on a map.

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    GIS (Geographic Information System)

    A system that uses interactive maps to analyze data and answer geographic questions.

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    Study Notes

    GIS Fundamentals

    • GIS (Geographic Information System): An interactive system for analyzing geographic data to answer spatial questions. GIS uses interactive maps to analyze data and help answer questions about the world.
    • Attribute: Nonspatial information about a geographic feature in a GIS, usually stored in a table and linked to the feature by a unique identifier. Attributes of a river, for example, could include name, length, and sediment load from a gauging station. Attributes are often quantitative (sediment load) or qualitative (river name).
    • Attribute Table: A database or tabular file containing information about a set of geographic features. Each row represents a feature; each column stores one attribute. Attribute tables are often joined or related to spatial data layers. Attribute values enable finding, querying, and symbolizing features.
    • Basemap: A map depicting locational reference information like landforms, roads, landmarks, and political boundaries.
    • Buffer: An area (polygon) covering a specified distance from a point, line, or area feature.
    • Feature: A representation of a real-world object on a map.
    • Field: A column in a table that stores attribute values for a single feature attribute.
    • Filter: A GIS operation that hides features (without deletion) for analysis, creating a subset of features.
    • Geoprocessing: A GIS operation manipulating GIS data. Input data, an operation, and output data are key parts of geoprocessing. Geoprocessing takes an input dataset, performs an operation, and returns an output dataset.
    • Geoprocessing Tool: An ArcGIS tool creating or modifying spatial data. This includes analysis (e.g., finding locations, buffering, finding hot spots), data management (e.g., dissolving boundaries, merging layers), and data conversion (e.g., exporting data).
    • geospatial technology: A set of technologies (e.g., GIS, photogrammetry, remote sensing) for acquiring and manipulating geographic data.
    • Layer: A collection of related features in a GIS map. Features usually share the same theme, geometry, and attribute set. Example: A layer for streets might use lines for geometry, streets as the theme, and street names as attributes.
    • Legend: Description of map features. Legends show symbols/graphics with written descriptions of what each represents.
    • Metadata: Information describing data characteristics (content, quality, origin, condition, etc).
    • Query: A request to select data. A query often uses an expression or statement for selection of features or records.
    • Scale: Ratio showing map distance/area to ground distance/area. Example: 1:1,000,000 means 1 unit on the map is equal to 1 million units on Earth (e.g., 1 inch on map equals 1,890,000 inches on Earth).
    • Service credits: Currency for ArcGIS Online; consumed for spatial analysis, routing, and geocoding. Also referred to as "credits".
    • Spatial analysis: Examining locations, attributes, and relationships in spatial data to understand spatial patterns and answer questions. Spatial analysis addresses a question or gains knowledge.
    • Style: A collection of predefined colors, symbols, and map elements.
    • Symbol: A graphic representing a feature (concrete or abstract); explained in the map legend.
    • Thematic Map: A map showing a single theme (e.g., population density, geology).
    • Workflow: A sequence of tasks to achieve a specific goal.

    GIS Operations and Data

    • Example GIS Attribute Table: A table of river attributes (river name, length, sediment load at gauging stations).
    • Joining Spatial and Attribute Data: Attribute tables linked to spatial data layers for analysis and display.
    • Using Attributes: Attribute values let you filter, query, and symbolize map features.
    • Geoprocessing Examples: Finding locations, buffering, finding hot spots, dissolving boundaries, merging layers, and exporting data.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on the key concepts learned in the "Getting to Know GIS" learning modules. This quiz covers essential terms such as attributes, basemaps, features, and geoprocessing. Challenge yourself to see how well you understand the foundations of GIS technology.

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