Geographic Information Systems and Technologies

A comprehensive set of flashcards based on lecture notes covering key concepts in Volunteered Geographic Information, Citizen Science, GPS technology, GIS systems, and their applications.

What is Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI)?

Geospatial content generated by non-professionals using mapping systems available on the Internet.

Why is the presumed inaccuracy of VGI significant?

It is often cited as a barrier to its wider use by official mapping agencies.

What does CEGIS research indicate about participatory mapping projects?

Some participatory mapping projects can produce data that are as accurate as those produced by official agencies.

What is the advantage of VGI contributors over official agencies?

VGI contributors have unique local knowledge that may provide an advantage in accuracy.

What is the National Map Corps?

A crowdsourcing mapping project with volunteers editing structures in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

What did CEGIS researchers analyze in The National Map?

The accuracy of data produced by volunteers, which was found to be sufficiently accurate for incorporation into official databases.

What is one major application of crowdsourcing in mapping?

Crisis management, particularly during events like hurricanes and earthquakes.

What framework have CEGIS researchers produced?

A crowdsourcing framework to guide the development of future hazards science projects.

How can crowdsourcing improve the predictive models of coastal change?

By analyzing coastal imagery through community involvement.

What is citizen science?

Projects where non-professionals collaborate with scientists to gather and analyze data.

What type of projects might citizen scientists at the USGS engage in?

Observing species occurrences, analyzing volcanic ash fallout, and recording earthquake effects.

What are the goals of CEGIS researchers in relation to citizen science?

To recommend best practices and strategies for integrating citizen science into ongoing scientific work.

What are the five key uses of GPS?

Location, navigation, tracking, mapping, and timing.

What does GPS stand for?

Global Positioning System.

What is the primary function of GPS?

To provide precise location information on the Earth's surface.

What industries utilize GPS technology?

Emergency response, transportation, health and fitness, construction, and entertainment.

When was GPS fully operational?

In 1993, when 24 satellites became available to civilians.

What technology primarily improved cartography in the twentieth century?

Computer technology that enables faster, easier, and cheaper map production.

What is GIS?

Geographic Information System; a system for managing spatial data and associated attributes.

How do GIS applications contribute to data analysis?

By linking locational and database information to visualize patterns and trends.

What is the role of remote sensing in geography?

Use of satellites or aircraft to obtain information about the Earth's surface.

Name one key advancement of GIS in the 1990s.

The introduction of desktop GIS with software like ArcView.

Who is known as the father of GIS?

Dr. Roger Tomlinson.

Define raster data in GIS.

Data represented by grid cells or pixels where each cell has a value.

Define vector data in GIS.

Data represented by points, lines, and polygons defined by coordinates.

What are two key components of GIS?

Software and hardware.

What is the significance of metadata in GIS?

Describes the attributes and characteristics of the spatial data being used.

What does the 'S' in GIS stand for?

Systems.

What does 'scientific analysis' in GIS refer to?

Using geographic data to make informed decisions based on spatial patterns.

How does GIS support disaster management?

By providing spatial analysis and data visualization for planning and response.

What is the importance of accuracy in GIS data?

Accuracy ensures that the decisions made using GIS data are based on reliable and precise information.

What was the impact of the US Department of Defense on GPS development?

Initiated its development for military navigation, later opened to civilian use.

How do GIS tools enhance disaster response efforts?

By allowing for quick analysis of geographical data during emergencies.

What is the purpose of attribute data in GIS?

To provide additional information about geographic features.

How can GIS be applied in urban planning?

For analyzing land use, transportation, and population density.

What role does the Internet play in modern GIS?

Facilitates data sharing and collaborative mapping efforts.

Who utilizes GIS in their profession?

Urban planners, environmental scientists, and transport engineers.

What is a major goal of GIS technology?

To improve the decision-making process through spatial data analysis.

Why is it important to integrate new data with traditional GIS data?

To enhance accuracy and provide more comprehensive analyses.

What is a common challenge faced in crowdsourced data collection?

Ensuring the quality and accuracy of the contributed information.

What is the relationship between GIS and sustainability?

GIS is used to analyze environmental impacts and promote sustainable practices.

What are some advantages of digital over traditional map-making?

Increased efficiency, ease of modification, and precision in data representation.

How does GIS aid in resource management?

By providing critical information for managing and allocating resources effectively.

What type of analysis can GIS perform on spatial data?

Spatial querying, overlay analysis, and proximity analysis.

How can GIS impact public policy formulation?

By providing data-driven insights to policymakers on geographic issues.

What is one method of data input for GIS systems?

GPS data collection.

What is the importance of GIS in public health?

To analyze disease patterns and allocate healthcare resources.

What technological advancements have transformed GIS capabilities?

The evolution of computer hardware and software, allowing for complex analyses.

How can GIS be used to track environmental changes?

By mapping changes over time and assessing impacts on ecosystems.

List two main fields that integrate GIS technology.

Environmental science and urban planning.

Why is it crucial to understand the societal context of GIS?

To address legal, ethical, and social implications of spatial data use.

What is the definition of a digital base map in GIS?

A foundation map that includes geographical features used for further analysis.

What is the purpose of statistical analysis in GIS?

To derive meaningful insights from spatial data distributions.

What does 'geocoding' refer to in GIS?

The process of converting addresses into geographic coordinates.

What applications do Remote Sensing technologies support?

Coastal management, resource monitoring, and disaster assessment.

What are some modern tools used for geovisualization?

ArcGIS Online, Google Maps, and Leaflet.

What is a significant improvement in modern GIS tools compared to older versions?

User-friendly interfaces that facilitate wider accessibility.

How does GIS contribute to better transportation planning?

By analyzing traffic patterns and optimizing routes.

What is photzincography in the context of GIS history?

A printing technique for separating map layers used in early GIS applications.

What are the five components of a Geographic Information System?

Software, hardware, people, data, and methods.

Why is metadata essential in GIS?

It helps users understand the context and quality of the geographic data.

What is 'spatial data'?

Data that has a geographical aspect, such as coordinates or addresses.

What are some common sources of data for GIS applications?

GPS data, remote sensing, and surveys.

How can GIS assist in emergency response planning?

By providing critical spatial information for evacuation routes and resource allocation.

What role does public participation play in VGI initiatives?

It engages citizens to contribute local knowledge to the mapping process.

What are common uses of remote sensing technology?

Monitoring land use, analyzing environmental changes, and disaster response.

How do spatial queries enhance the functionality of GIS?

They allow users to extract specific data from geographic databases.

What is the impact of GIS on standard business practices?

Enhances operations by providing geographical insights for decision-making.

What is the primary challenge in using VGI for official mapping purposes?

Concerns over data accuracy and reliability.

What role does user training play in effective GIS implementation?

Ensures that users can accurately analyze and interpret GIS data.

How does GIS technology improve community engagement?

By providing interactive mapping tools that allow citizens to participate in planning processes.

What is the goal of implementing GIS in environmental protection?

To monitor ecosystems and assess human impact on the environment.

What is the significance of urban heat islands analyzed through GIS?

They help identify areas needing cooling strategies in urban environments.

What is one specific benefit of using GPS technology in agriculture?

Precision farming techniques to optimize crop yields.

In what ways can GIS inform climate change policies?

By analyzing the spatial impact of climate changes on various regions.

What is the correlation between GIS and economic development?

GIS aids in spatial analysis for effective land use planning and resource allocation.

What does the term 'spatial modeling' refer to in GIS?

Creating representations of geographic phenomena for analysis.

How can GIS assist with transportation systems?

Through route optimization and analysis of traffic congestion.

What aspect of GIS technology allows it to visualize complex data relationships?

Data layering within geographic contexts.

How is the accuracy of crowdsourced data typically verified?

Through cross-referencing with official data sources or expert review.

What is the future potential of GIS technology?

To enhance real-time data integration and user interaction for improved decision-making.

What is a significant benefit of using multi-source data in GIS?

It enriches analyses by providing comprehensive perspectives on geographic issues.

How can GIS impact wildlife conservation efforts?

By mapping habitats and monitoring species distributions.

What is the significance of community mapping initiatives?

They empower local residents to contribute to data collection and representation.

What can geographic data reveal about public health issues?

Spatial relationships affecting health trends and access to healthcare services.

How does GIS technology facilitate better urban management?

By visualizing land use, zoning, and infrastructure projects.

What is the relationship between GIS and disaster recovery efforts?

GIS supports assessment, planning, and resource management after disasters.

What does the term 'digital mapping' refer to in a GIS context?

The creation and manipulation of maps using digital tools.

Why is continuous learning important in the field of GIS?

To keep up with evolving technologies and improve data analysis techniques.

What are initial considerations when starting a GIS project?

Defining objectives, determining necessary data, and identifying users.

How can GIS data accuracy impact decision-making in government?

Inaccurate data can lead to poor planning and resource allocation.

What role does GIS play in the marketing of products?

Helps businesses analyze market demographics and optimize distribution.

What is the function of a graphical user interface (GUI) in GIS software?

To simplify user interactions with complex data tools and analyses.

What does digital elevation modeling assist with in GIS?

Creating 3D representations of terrain for analysis.

Why is interdisciplinary collaboration often necessary in GIS projects?

To integrate diverse expertise and perspectives for comprehensive analyses.

What is the significance of community feedback in VGI projects?

It helps improve the quality and reliability of the information gathered.

What are the three main types of technologies in geospatial science

GIS (Geographic Information Systems), GPS (Global Positioning System), and Remote Sensing (which includes photogrammetry)

Who was John Snow and what did he map?

John Snow was an English physician known for mapping the cholera outbreak in London in 1854, which helped identify the source of the outbreak.

Who was Henry James and what did he develop?

Henry James was a notable engineer who developed the concept of a great circle route and contributed to advancements in cartography.

Who was Roger Tomlinson and what did he do?

Roger Tomlinson is known as the 'father of GIS' for developing the first Geographic Information System in the early 1960s.