GIS-Quiz 2

Vocabulary List

1. Projection – A mathematical transformation converting 3D geographic coordinates into 2D Cartesian coordinates.

2. Cartesian Coordinates – A coordinate system that represents locations with X (horizontal) and Y (vertical) values.

3. Reference Ellipsoid / Datum – A model of Earth's shape that accounts for variations in sea level and gravitational pull.

4. Geoid – A model representing Earth's sea level variations without topography.

5. Developable Surface – A geometric shape (plane, cylinder, or cone) onto which the Earth's surface is projected.

6. Standard Parallel – A line on a map where distortion is minimized, usually where the projection touches the reference ellipsoid.

7. Planar (Azimuthal) Projection – A projection using a flat surface, often used for polar regions.

8. Cylindrical Projection – A projection where the Earth is wrapped in a cylinder, commonly used for world maps.

9. Conic Projection – A projection that uses a cone, ideal for mid-latitude regions.

10. Equal-Area (Equivalent) Projection – A map that preserves area but distorts shape (e.g., Gall-Peters Projection).

11. Conformal Projection – A map that preserves angles and shapes but distorts area (e.g., Mercator Projection).

12. Equidistant Projection – A map that preserves distance along specific lines but distorts shapes and areas (e.g., Azimuthal Equidistant Projection).

13. Compromise Projection – A projection that balances distortions to make the map more visually appealing (e.g., Winkel Tripel Projection).

14. Loxodrome – A line that crosses meridians at a constant angle, useful for navigation.

15. Tissot’s Indicatrix – A visual tool using circles to show distortion on a map.

16. Secant Projection – A projection with two standard parallels where distortion is minimized.

17. Tangent Projection – A projection with a single standard parallel.

18. Gall-Peters Projection – An equal-area map that accurately represents landmass sizes but distorts shape.

19. Mercator Projection – A conformal map that preserves shape but distorts area, especially near the poles.

20. Azimuthal Equidistant Projection – A map that preserves distance from a central point but distorts other areas.

21. Equirectangular Projection – A simple projection that divides the Earth into a rectangular grid but causes severe distortion at the poles.

22. Winkel Tripel Projection – A compromise projection used by National Geographic that balances distortions of area, shape, and distance.