This is a general list of items to know for Exam 1.
This list
is not intended to be a complete itemization of all questions on this exam.
However, knowing this material will serve as a good starting point in preparation
for study.
Be able to identify, know the meaning of, or otherwise give examples of the following:
Introduction (Chapter 1)
So, what good are maps?
· recording
· navigating
· communicating
· pattern recognition
· historical documentation
So, what is a map?
· Concrete or abstract representation of the Earth’s surface.
· What is included, what is not?
What is cartography?
· Art; science; technology.
· Study of maps and mapmaking.
Real vs. Virtual Maps?
Virtual Maps
What is a mental map?
· The “mind’s eye.”
· Memorized routes or landmarks.
· Concept of residential preference?
Common Map Elements: what traits do most maps share?
· title
· legend
· neatline
· scale
· orientation
· inset?
Types of Maps: what kinds of maps are out there?
Be prepared to give examples of each type below.
· planimetric
· topographic
· thematic
· cartograms
· remotely sensed images
Making a map
So, is mapping an Art or a Science?
Basic Mapping Processes (Chapter 2)
What is Geodesy?
Shape of the Earth? Size?
· For most purposes, a sphere.
· Exceptions?
-- ellipsoid
-- geoid
Where are you?
What does a Geodesist do?
· You mean the Earth isn’t round?
· The “Geoid”
How do we know Earth is spherical?
· Circumstantial evidence
· Eratosthenes
Locational System: Find yourself in Geography!
· What is a graticule?
· latitude and longitude
· parallels and meridians
· Equator and Prime Meridian
What is a Great Circle?
Why do we survey the Earth?
· To provide an accurate framework for the maps we create.
Types of surveys?
· Geodetic control
· Plane
What is an Analemma?
Why did we create time zones?
What happens at the International Date Line?
Computer-Assisted Cartography (Chapter 19)
-- Advantages and disadvantages of computer mapping over pen and
ink maps?
Geographic Information Systems
-- Difference between Computer Mapping and GIS?
How does the map get into the computer?
-- Digitizing
-- Scanning
-- Labeling
-- Geocoding
Data Capture
--Raster
Digitizing
--Vector
Digitizing
What are the differences between these two methods?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each method?
Databases
-- Digital Chart of the World
-- Digital Line Graph (USGS)
-- Digital Elevation Model (USGS)
-- Digital Orthophotos
-- Digital Orthophoto Quad (USGS)
-- Digital Raster Graphic (USGS)
U.S. Census Bureau Databases
-- DIME Coding System
-- TIGER Map Data Format
Accuracy Issues
-- Scale
-- Joining seams
-- Metadata
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