Updated GIS Quiz 3

Vocabulary List

1. Coordinate System – A framework used to define locations on a map.

2. Geographic Coordinate System (GCS) – A system that records locations using latitude and longitude (angular measurements).

3. Projected Coordinate System (PCS) – A coordinate system that overlays a grid onto a projection, allowing for distance and area measurements in linear units.

4. Reference Ellipsoid / Datum – A mathematical model approximating the Earth's shape, used as a base for projections.

5. Standard Parallel – A latitude line where a map projection touches the reference ellipsoid, minimizing distortion.

6. Central Meridian – The vertical centerline of a map, which serves as a reference for longitude values.

7. False Easting – A numerical adjustment added to east-west coordinates to avoid negative values.

8. False Northing – A numerical adjustment added to north-south coordinates to avoid negative values.

9. Cartesian Coordinate System – A grid system using X (east-west) and Y (north-south) values to define locations.

10. Eastings – The X-coordinates in a Cartesian system, measuring distance east or west.

11. Northings – The Y-coordinates in a Cartesian system, measuring distance north or south.

12. False Origin – A shifted starting point in a coordinate system to ensure all values are positive.

13. Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) – A global coordinate system that divides the Earth into 60 zones, each using a Transverse Mercator Projection.

14. State Plane Coordinate System (SPCS) – A coordinate system used in the U.S. for land parcel mapping, using feet instead of meters.

15. Transverse Mercator Projection – A cylindrical projection with a north-south tangent line, commonly used in UTM and State Plane zones.

16. Lambert Conformal Conic Projection – A conic projection preserving shape and used for east-west-oriented State Plane zones.

17. Albers Equal-Area Conic Projection – A projection that preserves area, commonly used for mapping the United States.

18. Web Mercator Projection – A modified Mercator projection optimized for web maps, used by Google Maps and ArcGIS.

19. Equal-Area Projection – A projection that maintains correct land area proportions but may distort shapes (e.g., Albers Equal-Area Conic).

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

21. Loxodrome – A line crossing all meridians at a constant angle, used in navigation.

22. Graticule – A network of latitude and longitude lines on a map.

23. Tangent Projection – A projection where the developable surface touches the Earth at a single point or line.

24. Secant Projection – A projection where the developable surface cuts through the Earth, creating two standard parallels