Discrete data - Answers -Represents real-world features that have well defined
boundaries. A discrete feature is distinct from the other features around it.
Example: A river is a discrete feature: there is a distinct place where you stop being dry
and begin getting wet.
Continuous data - Answers -Represents real-world features that do not have well-
defined boundaries.
Examples: Elevation, temperature, rainfall.
There are no distinct places where the phenomena simply stop; values may change
abruptly, but the phenomena continue to be measured.
Hint: if it makes sense to take an average of the values, it is likely continuous data
Geographic Coordinate System (GCS) - Answers -Uses a spherical model to identify
points or areas on the surface of the earth. Each coordinate system is commonly
illustrated with a network of intersecting lines of latitude and longitude called a graticule
Graticule - Answers -a network of intersecting lines representing meridians (longitude)
and parallels (latitude), on which a map or plan can be represented
Four components of a coordinate system - Answers -Angular units of measure
Prime meridian: Zero value for longitude
Spheroid: Mathematical model that estimates the size and shape of the Earth
Datum: A frame of reference for measuring locations on the surface of the Earth. It
defines the origin and orientation of latitude and longitude lines.
Why are there multiple spheroids in use for geographic coordinate systems? - Answers
-The Earth's surface is not symmetrical, causing the semi major and semi minor axes
that work for one geographic region to not work for another region
Projected coordinate system - Answers -A system that defines locations on a flat map
based on x,y coordinates
Cylindrical projection - Answers -a map created by projecting Earth's image onto a
cylinder. Meridians and parallels intersect at right angles, as they do on the globe
, Conic projection - Answers -Created by setting a cone over a globe and projecting light
from the center of the globe onto the cone. In general, distortion increases north and
south of the standard parallel
Azimuthal/planar projection - Answers -When projected on either of the poles, longitude
lines radiate outward from the pole at their true angle. Latitude lines appear as a series
of concentric circles. Most often used to map the polar regions.
Most suitable projection for map areas that extend north-south - Answers -Cylindrical
projection
Most suitable projection for map areas that extend east-west - Answers -Conic
projection
Most suitable projection for map areas that have equal extent in all directions - Answers
-Azimuthal/planar projection
Map properties - Answers -Shape, area, distance, direction
A conformal projection preserves and distorts which properties? - Answers -Preserves
shape, distorts area
An equal area projection preserves and distorts which properties? - Answers -Preserves
area, distorts shape
An azimuthal/planar projection preserves and distorts which properties? - Answers -
Preserves true scale between one or two points to every other point on the map, or
along every meridian. Distance is correct, but distortion is constant
An equidistant projection preserves and distorts which properties? - Answers -
Preserves direction from one or two points to every other pointPreserves direction from
one or two points to every other point
Any distance or direction measured from the center of the map will be accurate, but any
distance or direction measured from any other point will be inaccurate
Any distance or direction measured from the center of the map will be accurate, but any
distance or direction measured from any other point will be inaccurate
Compromise projection - Answers -A projection that does not have equal area,
conformal, or equidistant characteristics, but rather seeks to minimize and balance
distortion overall.
Geodatabase - Answers -A database or file structure used primarily to store, query, and
manipulate spatial data.
Geodatabase advantages - Answers -Centralized repository
Scalable data model
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