GIS Cartography and Visualization 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which map projection preserves area (equal-area) across the entire map?
- Mercator
- Albers Equal-Area Conic (Correct answer)
- Stereographic
- Robinson
Correct answer: Albers Equal-Area Conic
Albers Equal-Area Conic is a standard equal-area projection used widely for mid-latitude regions like the contiguous US.
Question 2: A cartographer wants to show population density using graduated colors from light to dark. This technique is called:
- Proportional symbol map
- Choropleth map (Correct answer)
- Dot density map
- Isarithmic map
Correct answer: Choropleth map
A choropleth map uses color gradations to represent data values aggregated within enumeration units such as counties or states.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a map graticule?
- To display legend symbols
- To show latitude and longitude grid lines (Correct answer)
- To indicate map scale
- To mark elevation contours
Correct answer: To show latitude and longitude grid lines
A graticule is the network of parallels and meridians drawn on a map to show geographic coordinates.
Question 4: Which visual variable is most effective for representing ordered, quantitative differences in map data?
- Hue
- Shape
- Value (lightness) (Correct answer)
- Texture
Correct answer: Value (lightness)
Value (lightness/darkness) effectively communicates ordered magnitude differences, making it ideal for quantitative thematic maps.
Question 5: A map with a scale of 1:24,000 means:
- 1 inch on the map equals 24,000 feet on the ground
- 1 inch on the map equals 24,000 inches on the ground (Correct answer)
- 1 mile on the map equals 24,000 miles on the ground
- The map covers 24,000 square miles
Correct answer: 1 inch on the map equals 24,000 inches on the ground
A representative fraction of 1:24,000 means one unit of measurement on the map equals 24,000 of the same units in reality.
Question 6: Which interpolation method creates a surface by fitting a smooth mathematical function through all sample data points exactly?
- Kriging
- Inverse Distance Weighting
- Spline interpolation (Correct answer)
- Thiessen polygons
Correct answer: Spline interpolation
Spline interpolation fits a smooth curve or surface that passes exactly through all control points, minimizing surface curvature.
Question 7: In cartographic design, what does the figure-ground relationship refer to?
- The ratio of map symbols to background space
- The visual contrast between a focused feature and its surroundings (Correct answer)
- The relationship between map title and legend
- The alignment of north arrows and scale bars
Correct answer: The visual contrast between a focused feature and its surroundings
Figure-ground is the perceptual contrast that makes the primary map subject visually stand out from its background context.
GIS Cartography and Visualization 2
Which map projection preserves area (equal-area) across the entire map?