Essay Geog

Geog231A: GIS I Mapping Methods

These Questions are worth 20 points apiece (Answer 3 Questions). BE SURE TO READ THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW BEFORE ANSWERING ANY QUESTIONS.

Select one question from each of the three topic headings below to answer a total of three of the following questions in essay format. Use grammatically complete sentences, and coherent arguments. Try to keep your answer to each question to no more than one page in length , but they should be at least two paragraphs in length.

Do not just regurgitate information from the textbook or from my Powerpoint lectures. Nor do I want to see something downloaded from the web (I google…which is a very good way to catch plagiarizers…not that I don’t trust you, but I have had it happen from time to time, and have caught it every time). I want this to be written in your own words , so I can have some idea of how well you understand the topic. Also, I want you to thoroughly explore the topic as well as you can, within the limits provided.

Qualitative and Quantitative Mapping

1. Briefly describe how a map maker can depict several attributes of a feature within the same symbol on each of the following types of multivariate maps :

a. Multivariate point symbols

b. Multivariate line symbols

c. Multivariate area symbols

2. What are some important considerations to keep in mind when evaluating classed choropleth maps?

3. Why do some cartographers feel that unclassed choropleth maps are the most effective data presentation

method for comparing information that is presented in a choropleth map?

Vector and Raster Data

4. Briefly explain the difference between the way the vector and raster data models encode spatial data for storage and display in a computer database, and how they display that data. In other words, how does each store information, represent point, line and polygon features?

5. Briefly describe both the advantages and disadvantages of both vector and raster data.

Presenting Map Data

6. List four questions about map objectives that would influence the design of a map, and then briefly explain why these questions need to be asked before you begin designing your map.

7. What strategies can be used to emphasize, or to de-emphasize, particular features on maps?

8. Briefly explain the difference between Interactive Labels, Dynamic Labels, and Annotation, including when each would be more appropriate to use than the other two.