Study Guide for Final Exam in BIOL/GEOS 213 - Intro to GIS
The test will include multiple choice/true false, definitions, and short answer questions.
For multiple choice and/or true false questions you will have to select the best choice out of the choices given. Keep in mind that most answers to a questions are relevant to the question to an extent, and that's why you need to pick the best answer for each question.
Here are a few examples (and just that) of multiple choice/true false questions:
1. Paper maps, AutoCAD maps, and GIS maps are similar in a sense that:
(a). they all show scales, legend, north arrows, etc.
(b). they all have different scales and projections
(c). they all contain latitude and longitude values
(d). they all can be manipulated to accommodate users' needs
(e). they are all prepared by the USGS
2. Attribute data consist of:
(a). Topology (spatial relations among features) and characteristics about features (fields)
(b). Number of values (e.g. elevations) and counts (how many of each values are present)
(c). Projection info (datum, coordinate system, projection type) and coordination (latitude and longitude)
(d). Types of themes (vector or raster) and metadata (info about themes)
(e). Rows (records of features) and columns (fields of characteristics)
3. Which of the following is not a type of data used in an attribute table?
(a). character string
(b). logical expression
(c). integers
(d). floating numbers
(e). dates
4. Which of the following is not a likely example of a record in an attribute table?
(a). 12/08/2003
(b) Ursas americanus
(c). area > 100 arces
(d). 12.03
(e). highly probable
5. Which of the following is an example of a database design that is commonly used in GIS?
(a). relational database
(b). network database
(c). hierarchical database
(d). excel worksheets
(e). one-to-many relationship
6. If you want to combine two separate tables that have a common key field into one table then which of the following options will you use?
(a). merge
(b). dissolve
(c). intercept
(d). join
(e). link
7. If you want to extract an area of interest (let's say a watershed area) from a large shape file (let's say a map of PA), then which of the following operation might be useful?
(a). combine
(b). buffer
(c). intercept
(d). union
(e). assign
8. Which of the following options is not useful in creating attribute data?
(a). keyboard entry (i.e. manually typing each record under a field)
(b). defining the field (width, name, type of data, number of decimal points)
(c). cut and paste data values from existing database files
(d). import data files (dbase, ASCII files)
(e). compute existing data using logical expressions
9. Which of the following is not an example of raster data?
(a). digital orthoquads
(b). landuse polygons
(c). digital elevation models
(d). satellite images
(e). digital raster graphics
10. Which of the following operations is not appropriate for vector data analysis?
(a). convert to raster data
(b). derive aspects
(c). perform query operations using Boolean expressions
(d). compute and classify data
(e). combine attribute and spatial data in query
True (T) or False (F)?
Raster data models use feature-based attribute tables. T F
The UTM projection data of a map corresponds to latitudes and longitudes covered in the map. T F
Cell statistics can only be done on raster data. T F
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For definitions pay attention to the chapter-end key-concepts and terms. I will not include the terms we did not cover in the lecture. If you are confused as to what terms were covered in the lecture, you can look over the power point presentations posted online and your class notes. You will not have to write a long descriptive definition of the terms. Explain the terms using simple but accurate descriptions in your own words. When applicable, you can draw sketches to define a term.
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For short answer questions you need to understand concepts and theories behind GIS. You will have to be able to synthesize information from various topics. You will not have to write long paragraphs, instead try to be very succinct and to brief. You can use diagrams, charts, maps, illustrations (whatever you deem will help you convey your answers) with answers. Make sure to go over the power point presentations (along with your notes) and read the pertinent chapters in the textbook. Here are a few examples:
** What is an attribute table? Attribute tables are considered real strength of GIS. Explain why.
** Know different types of relationships that exist between records in different database or attribute table. What are some differences between join and link operations that are used when dealing with attribute data?
** What are some ways in which you can create new attribute data? Give specific examples.
** What some differences between raster and vector data models? What are some sources (or examples) of raster data? How are DEM different from DOQ?
** What are some examples of operations that you can do on raster data?
** How is data analysis different from data exploration? Know a few examples of questions addressed in data exploration.
** Know specific examples (at least five) of how best you can explore GIS data.
** Know examples of how and when you can combine attribute data with spatial data in GIS.
** Know specific examples of the uses of buffering and overlay methods in GIS.
** How are raster data analyses different from vector data analyses? In other words, what specific operations or analyses you can do on raster data that cannot be done or will not be suitable for vector data analyses?
** Know examples of local operations used in raster data analysis.