GIS week 1 Flashcards

(22 cards)

1
Q

What is Geographic Information System (GIS)?

A

-a computer-based system for capture, management, storage, organization and analysis of spatially-referenced data, and the output of spatially-referenced information

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2
Q

What is data?

A

-a collection of related facts
-the basic elements of information

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3
Q

What is information?

A

-data that have been processed to be useful. -It provides answers to questions, used in decision-making.

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4
Q

What does a GIS do?

A
  1. Capture data: add data from many sources to a GIS and create data from scratch.
  2. Store data: store and manage information about the real world in ways that make sense for an application.
  3. Query data: ask complex questions about features based on their attributes or their location and get quick results.
  4. Analyse data: can integrate multiple datasets to find features that meet specific criteria and create information useful for problem solving.
  5. Display data: display features based on their attributes, a powerful feature
    of any GIS.
  6. Present data: create and distribute high-quality maps, graphs, and reports to present analysis results in a compelling way to an audience
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5
Q

What are features of spatial data?

A

Spatial data are related using a coordinate system which defines spherical or planimetric coordinates, elevation, orientation etc.

Observations and measurements are made on geographically distributed features such as plants, wildlife animals, rivers, etc.
-each of these spatial objects is an entity that can be described by its attribute or property.

Attributes or properties may include observable and/or
measurable characteristics, e.g. Tree is observation, latitude and
longitude define its location, while elevation, aspect, slope, solar
radiation, soil type, etc are attributes specific to that location.

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6
Q

What are the GIS functional components?

A
  1. Spatial Data Input
  2. Spatial Data Storage and Management
  3. Spatial Data Manipulation
  4. Spatial Data Analysis
  5. Spatial Data Output
  6. Interfaces (User Interface and API)
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7
Q

What are the spatial data analysis components?

A

-A collection of tools for exploring patterns, associations and interactions of environmental phenomena as well as evidence of their changes through time and over space.

-Include spatial query, geometric measurement, buffering and proximity measurement, overlay analysis, surface analysis, network analysis, image analysis and spatial statistics.

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8
Q

What is the purpose of buffering and proximity measurement in GIS?

A

Buffering and proximity measurement functions in GIS are used to calculate distances around (buffer) and from (proximity) features.
-For example, creating a 100 m buffer around rivers helps assess flood risk by identifying areas and buildings (e.g., in red) that fall within this zone.

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9
Q

What are geometric functions in GIS used for?

A

Geometric functions in GIS calculate properties such as length, perimeter, area, shape, orientation, centroid, and distances. They are useful for landscape metrics, analysing fragmentation, and characterising landscape structures.

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10
Q

What is the purpose of layers and attribute tables in GIS?

A

Layers store spatial data, while attribute tables store associated information about features (e.g., type of forest, area, or soil). Together, they enable detailed analysis of spatial patterns and relationships.

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11
Q

What is overlay analysis in GIS, and why is it useful?

A

Overlay analysis involves stacking layers of different themes (e.g., land cover, soil type) based on common geography.
It helps identify spatial associations and supports modelling using multiple data inputs.

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12
Q

How does GIS use layers of data, and what is the USGS National Map?

A

GIS combines information from different layers stacked by location (x, y, z) to create a comprehensive view of geographic data. The USGS National Map provides access to 8 core geospatial data layers at a 1:24,000 scale for the United States and its territories via an online viewer.

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13
Q

What types of data layers can be used in GIS?

A

GIS layers include:

-Background maps

-Aerial/satellite images

-Environmental data

–Geological field data

-Geophysical data

-Geochemical data

These layers are used in applications like mineral exploration.

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14
Q

What are the main spatial data models used in GIS?

A
  1. Vector Model: Represents discrete features (points, lines, polygons) like rivers, wells.
  2. Raster Model: Represents continuous data (gridded cells) like satellite images, elevation, humidity.
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15
Q

What is the vector data model in GIS, and what are its features?

A

The vector model uses points, lines, and polygons to represent discrete features with clear boundaries (e.g., lakes, wells, roads). It is ideal for storing geographic objects that have specific identities.

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16
Q

What is the raster data model in GIS, and when is it used?

A

The raster model divides space into a grid of cells (pixels), ideal for continuous data like satellite images, elevation, or temperature. Each cell stores a value representing a specific characteristic.

17
Q

How do raster and vector models differ in GIS?

A

Raster: Grid-based, good for continuous data (e.g., elevation, images).

Vector: Object-based, good for discrete data (e.g., rivers, roads).

18
Q

What are Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), and what do they represent?

A

DEMs are raster datasets representing the Earth’s surface elevation. Each cell holds a height value, allowing for terrain analysis and 3D visualisation.

19
Q

What is spatial transformation in GIS?

A

Spatial transformation is the process of converting spatial data between different coordinate systems or formats to ensure accurate analysis and alignment in GIS.

20
Q

What are some key milestones in the history of GIS development?

A

1962: GIS pioneered by Roger Tomlinson

1969: ESRI founded

1972: First LANDSAT satellite launched

1979: US DoI developed first map overlay system

1985: GRASS GIS released (open-source software)

1991: ArcView GIS released

1999: ArcGIS released by ESRI

2005: Google Maps launched

2007: “VGI” term published

2012: OpenStreetMap founded

21
Q

What is ArcGIS Pro, and what are its main features?

A

ArcGIS Pro is an advanced GIS application by ESRI. It allows users to:

Create and manage maps, scenes, layouts, data, tables, and tools.

Use a cloud-based system (ArcGIS Online) for sharing data and resources.

Run offline with full capabilities of ArcMap, ArcCatalog, and ArcToolbox.

Enable Python and ModelBuilder for advanced workflows.

22
Q

What does the ArcGIS Pro interface include?

A

The ArcGIS Pro interface provides a user-friendly workspace with tools for:

-Managing layers and spatial data

-Creating and editing maps

-Visualising data across different geographic locations

-Integrating analytical tools and workflows