Study Guide for the Mid-term in BIOL/GEOS 213 - Intro to GIS

The test will include multiple choice/true false, definitions, and short answer questions.  There will be 10 multiple choice questions (1 point each), 10 definitions (2 points each), and 2 short-answer questions (10 points each).

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:

Attributes of a geographic feature are:

(1).  longitude and latitude

(2).  topological description

(3).  projection information

(4).  data and text describing the characteristics of the feature

(5).  Points, lines, and polygons

A vector is:

(1).  a line that has location and direction

(2).  a feature with its length and width records

(3).  a polygon that has unique landuse characteristics

(4).  a cell with elevation value in the center

(5).  a combination of point, line, and polygon

Which of the following could not be an attribute of a line feature?

(1). length

(2). area

(3). starting coordinates and ending coordinates

(4).  number of arcs and nodes

(5).  an identification number

Which of the following could not be represented by a point feature?

(1).  ranger station

(2).  gaging station

(3).  stream outlet

(4).  road segment

(5).  water hydrant

True or false:

Vector data models use feature-based attribute tables.  T    F

The Representative Fraction of a map corresponds to latitudes and longitudes covered in the map.  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 chapters in the textbook.