Chapter 1 : Fieldwork and GIS

Question 1

!! What is ‘GIS’?

Answer 1

Geographic information system. It let’s you display layers of data on a map on a computer screen to help you make decisions.

Question 2

What is ‘GPS’?

Answer 2

Global postitioning system. It tells you exactly where you are on Earth, using radio waves from satellites.

Question 3

!! What are the components of a GIS system?

Answer 3

• A computer
• A GIS program
• A suitable map
• The data to be displayed on the map.

Question 4

What is a heatmap?

Answer 4

It is a mpa that shows the density of deaths in the area.

Question 5

How did John Snow investigate his hypothesis?

Answer 5

He started with a map of the Soho area, and marked all the households where people had died. He also marked the water pumps and looked for patterns.

Question 6

What is the difference between paper maps and GIS?

Answer 6

In GIS, there are multiple layers of data, and it can be digitally accessed meaning that it is easier to edit, update and share.
In paper maps there is only a single layer of data and information. It cannot be digitally accessed, making it difficult to update, edit, and share.