geo exam 3

Remote Sensing

Using satellites or aerial images to observe and map Earth

Spatial Resolution

Level of detail in an image (pixel size)

Spectral Resolution

Ability to capture different wavelengths of light

Temporal Resolution

How often an image is taken

Electromagnetic Spectrum

Range of all wavelengths of electromagnetic energy

Visible Light

Part of spectrum humans can see (0.4–0.7 µm)

Near Infrared (NIR)

Used to detect vegetation health and stress

Thermal Infrared

Used to detect heat (fires, temperature differences)

Microwave

Can penetrate clouds and vegetation

Passive Sensor

Records natural energy reflected from objects

Active Sensor

Emits its own energy and records the reflection

Landsat

Satellite with 30m spatial resolution and 16-day revisit period

Image Interpretation

Identifying features using visual clues in imagery

Size

Helps determine scale of objects

Shape

Recognizing objects based on form

Shadow

Helps determine height and shape of objects

Texture

Smooth or rough appearance of a surface

Tone/Color

Brightness or color of objects in imagery

Pattern

Spatial arrangement of features

Location

Position of a feature on Earth

Association

Relationship between features near each other

Web 2.0

Internet focused on participation and user-generated content

Crowdsourcing

Collecting data from a large group of people

Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI)

Geographic data contributed by the public

Citizen Science

Public participation in scientific research

Digital Divide

Unequal access to technology and information

Community Mapping

Bottom-up mapping created by local communities

Public Participatory GIS (PPGIS)

Involving the public in GIS and mapping processes

Community Asset Mapping

Mapping community strengths and resources

Map Generalization

Simplifying map content and detail

Cartographer Bias

Decisions by mapmakers that influence interpretation

MAUP (Modifiable Areal Unit Problem)

Results change depending on how data is grouped

Ecological Fallacy

Assuming group-level data applies to individuals

Metadata

Data about data

Maps and Surveillance

Use of mapping technologies to monitor people

GPS

Satellite system used for location tracking

UAV (Drone)

Unmanned aerial vehicle used for mapping

Maps and Power

Maps used to influence, control, or gain advantage

Gerrymandering

Manipulating political boundaries for advantage

Redlining

Discriminatory mapping that restricted housing loans

Maps for Persuasion

Maps used to influence opinions or beliefs

Feature Selection

Choosing what data to include or exclude

Symbolization

Use of symbols to represent data

Projection

Method used to represent Earth on a flat map

Active Remote Sensing

Sensor sends out energy and records reflection

Passive Remote Sensing

Sensor records naturally reflected energy

Electromagnetic Energy

Energy that travels in waves across the spectrum

Spectral Signature

Unique pattern of energy reflected by objects

Temporal Change Detection

Comparing images over time to detect change

Digital Mapping

Creating maps using computer technology

Geospatial Technology

Technology used to collect and analyze geographic data

Map Bias

When a map presents a misleading perspective

Data Aggregation

Combining data into groups or regions

Privacy Concerns

Issues related to tracking and surveillance using maps

Surveillance Monitoring

Observing individuals or areas using geospatial tools

Military Advantage

Using maps for strategic benefit in conflict

Political Power

Using maps to influence governance or control

Propaganda Maps

Maps designed to influence beliefs or actions

Advertising Maps

Maps used to promote products or services

Real-Time Mapping

Maps that update instantly with live data

User-Generated Content

Content created by everyday users

Map Accuracy

How correct and reliable a map is

Map Scale

Relationship between map distance and real-world distance

Image Resolution

Clarity and detail of an image

Spatial Detail

Level of visible detail in imagery

Data Quality

Reliability and accuracy of collected data

Ethical Mapping

Responsible and fair creation of maps

Cartographic Design

How a map is visually created and structured

Visual Hierarchy

Arrangement of elements to show importance

Color Use in Maps

Use of color to influence interpretation

Map Interpretation

Understanding and analyzing map content

Geographic Representation

How real-world features are shown on maps

Top-Down Mapping

Mapping controlled by governments or institutions

Bottom-Up Mapping

Mapping created by individuals or communities

Mapping from Below

Mapping used by citizens to challenge power

Data Misrepresentation

Presenting data in a misleading way

Outdated Maps

Maps that no longer reflect current conditions

Map Uncertainty

Lack of complete accuracy or precision in maps