GIS Spatial Analysis Methods 2

Question 1

Which spatial analysis technique identifies areas within a specified distance of a geographic feature?

Accepted Answer

Buffer analysis

Answer

Buffer analysis creates zones of specified distance around points, lines, or polygons to identify areas of proximity.

Question 2

What does the term 'spatial autocorrelation' measure in GIS analysis?

Accepted Answer

The degree to which similar values cluster together in space

Answer

Spatial autocorrelation measures whether nearby locations tend to have similar attribute values, quantified by statistics like Moran's I.

Question 3

In kernel density estimation, what does increasing the bandwidth (search radius) do to the output?

Accepted Answer

Produces a smoother, more generalized surface

Answer

A larger bandwidth spreads influence over a wider area, resulting in a smoother density surface that generalizes local variation.

Question 4

Which interpolation method is considered an exact interpolator, meaning it honors all sample data points?

Accepted Answer

Spline interpolation

Answer

Spline interpolation is an exact interpolator that passes through all control points while maintaining a smooth surface.

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of a cost-distance analysis in GIS?

Accepted Answer

Determining the least-cost path across a friction surface

Answer

Cost-distance analysis accumulates travel costs across a raster surface to determine the least-cost path between locations.

GIS - Geographic Information System Practice Test