Wildlife Management Lecture 3: GIS and Maps

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Questions and Answers

What do thematic maps provide in addition to the information they represent?

Geographic reference based on topographic maps (correct)

Only data on the central theme

Symbolic representations of data

Statistical analysis of the theme (correct)

What does the term 'How' in the visualization process refer to?

The methods and techniques used by the cartographer (correct)

The data being represented

The intended audience for the map

The message behind the map

Which aspect does 'What' refer to in the visualization process?

The map maker's experience

The design of the map

The characteristics of spatial data (correct)

The purpose of the map

How can the visualization process vary?

Depending on where it occurs in the spatial-data handling process and its purpose Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT mentioned as influencing the visualization process?

The color scheme of the map Signup and view all the answers

What must a map for scientists consider according to the visualization process?

Different methods compared to maps for children Signup and view all the answers

What primary question guides the visualization process?

How do I say what to whom? Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of 'I' in the visualization process?

Represents cartographers or map-makers Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of generalization in cartography?

Meaningful reduction of map content during scale reduction Signup and view all the answers

Which category of data traditionally leads to different design approaches in cartography?

Topographic and thematic data Signup and view all the answers

What is qualitative data also known as?

Nominal data Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is not true about quantitative data measured on an interval scale?

It has a known absolute zero Signup and view all the answers

How is quantitative data with a ratio scale defined?

It has a defined absolute zero and allows for meaningful ratios Signup and view all the answers

Which question guides the cartographic visualization process?

How do I say what to whom, and is it effective? Signup and view all the answers

What must be analyzed to find the proper symbology for a map?

The characteristics of the cartographic data Signup and view all the answers

Which type of scale allows for the interpretation of exact distances between values?

Interval scale Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary role of maps in relation to GIS?

To serve as inputs for GIS analysis Signup and view all the answers

Which component of spatial data do maps primarily help with?

Location Signup and view all the answers

What does the shape and color of signs and symbols on maps represent?

The characteristics of geographic objects Signup and view all the answers

How do interactive on-screen maps enhance user engagement?

By allowing complex queries through database links Signup and view all the answers

According to C. Board's definition, what is a map essentially?

An abstraction of geographic reality Signup and view all the answers

What can maps inform users about besides location?

The thematic attributes of geographic objects Signup and view all the answers

What types of phenomena do maps help reveal?

Spatial relations and patterns Signup and view all the answers

Which question is likely to necessitate the use of a map?

Where are the geographic objects located? Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'geographic reality' refer to in the context of maps?

The object of study, which is our world Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a topographic map?

To show the Earth's surface as accurately as possible Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically included in a topographic map?

Population density Signup and view all the answers

What is a thematic map primarily used for?

To display distributions of specific themes Signup and view all the answers

How do thematic maps relate to topographic maps?

They provide thematic information based on topographic references. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes one key feature of thematic maps?

They represent the distribution of specific socio-economic themes. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does a topographic map typically limit in its visualization?

The scale of representation Signup and view all the answers

What type of themes can thematic maps represent?

Both socio-economic and physical themes Signup and view all the answers

What type of data is characterized by a relative scale and hierarchy?

Ordinal data Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of ordinal data?

Ranking of sports teams Signup and view all the answers

Which symbol on a map can vary in shape to distinguish different types of routes?

Line symbols Signup and view all the answers

How can point symbols on a map represent data values?

By varying the form and size Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a basic element of a map?

Photographs Signup and view all the answers

What visual variable can be used to distinguish between different vegetation on a map?

Color of area symbols Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes point symbols on a map?

They can vary in size to indicate strength or magnitude. Signup and view all the answers

In cartography, what does the term 'visual variables' refer to?

The properties that can be altered to convey information Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

GISs and Maps

Maps serve as essential tools in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), aiding in data input, verification, spatial analysis, and result presentation.
Whenever location-related questions arise, maps effectively provide answers, revealing geographic objects and their thematic attributes.
Maps transfer spatial information efficiently, showcasing location, characteristics, and temporal factors through colors and symbols.
Interactive on-screen maps connect to databases, allowing for complex inquiries.

Definition of Maps

C.Board (1990) defines a map as a representation of geographic reality, serving to present geographic information in visual, digital, or tactile formats.
Maps simplify and represent parts of the Earth’s surface, aiding in spatial analysis.

Topographic and Thematic Maps

Topographic maps accurately reflect the Earth’s surface and include details such as infrastructure, land use, relief, hydrology, and reference grids.
Thematic maps focus on specific distributions, categorized into socio-economic and physical themes, and may reference topographical information.

Visualization Process

The cartographic visualization process translates spatial data into graphical representations, predominantly map-like products.
This process involves utilizing cartographic methods and techniques, akin to a grammar for optimal map design.

Factors Influencing Visualization

Decisions on map scale (large, small) introduce the concept of generalization, meaning the essential elements are reduced during scale adjustment.
Distinct design approaches exist for topographic versus thematic data.
Data nature (quantitative or qualitative) significantly influences visualization strategies.

Cartographic Communication

The visualization process is guided by the principle: "How do I say what to whom?"
- "How" pertains to the cartographic methods used.
- "I" indicates the cartographer's role.
- "Say" involves conveying spatial data through graphics.
- "What" references the spatial data characteristics.
- "Whom" concerns the intended audience and purpose of the map.

Cartographic Toolbox and Data Types

The analysis of cartographic data shapes the choice of map symbology, differentiating between qualitative (nominal) and quantitative data.
Qualitative data includes discreet, named values without natural order; whereas quantitative data can be measured along interval or ratio scales.
Ordinal data represents a relative scale of measurement, indicating hierarchy (e.g., "more" or "less").

Mapping Techniques

Maps consist of basic elements such as point symbols, line symbols, area symbols, and text.
Variations in the appearance of symbols convey specific information:
- Point symbols can shift in size or color to indicate different values or locations.
- Line symbols may differ in color and shape to depict various functions (e.g., rivers vs. railroads).
- Area symbols, through color differences, can represent varying vegetation types and land use.

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Description

Explore the relationship between Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and maps in wildlife and natural resource management. This lecture discusses how maps are integral to utilizing GIS technology effectively. Enhance your understanding of visualization and dissemination in the context of wildlife data.