Geographic Information Systems Flashcards
7 cards from real GAP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Geographic Information Systems flashcards as text
Which GIS data model stores geographic features as points, lines, and polygons?
Answer: Vector model
The vector data model represents geographic features as discrete points, lines, and polygons with associated attribute data.
In GAP agriculture, what does a soil survey GIS layer typically help farmers determine?
Answer: Crop suitability and drainage potential
Soil survey GIS layers provide data on soil type, texture, and drainage class, helping farmers assess which crops are best suited for specific fields.
What is the purpose of a buffer zone analysis in agricultural GIS?
Answer: To identify areas within a set distance of a feature such as a water body
Buffer analysis creates zones around features (e.g., streams or wells) to identify setback distances required for pesticide applications or other activities.
Which satellite imagery resolution range is most commonly used for field-level precision agriculture mapping?
Answer: 0.5 m – 10 m
Sub-meter to 10-meter resolution imagery provides enough detail to distinguish individual field zones, crop rows, and small landscape features.
What does NDVI measure in remote sensing applications for agriculture?
Answer: Vegetation health and density using near-infrared and red bands
NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) quantifies plant health by comparing near-infrared reflectance (high in healthy plants) to red light reflectance.
A farmer wants to map variable-rate fertilizer application zones. Which GIS output is most directly used for this purpose?
Answer: A management zone map based on yield and soil data
Management zone maps delineate field areas with similar productivity potential, guiding variable-rate application of inputs to match crop needs.
In GIS, what is a digital elevation model (DEM) used for in farm management?
Answer: Modeling water flow, slope, and drainage patterns across fields
A DEM provides terrain elevation data used to derive slope, aspect, and flow accumulation, which inform drainage planning and erosion risk assessment.