Geography 301 - Forsberg

Study guide for the final exam

Terms:

Cartographic Communication overlay buffer content generalization geometric generalization classification symbolization selection simplification interpretation great circle route projection perceptual limitations equal-area conformal equidistant azimuthal globe axis pole

hypsometric tints isolines choropleth mapping cartogram ordinal data nominal data aggregation ratio data interval data isoline projection loxodrome (rhumb line) Xerox effect template effect smoothing displacement color ramp spatial analysis latitude/longitude coordinates meridian parallel

Study questions:

• In order to present a useful and truthful picture, why must an accurate map tell white lies?
• Explain how the word "map" has been redefined by modern technology.
• What is the difference between a GIS and a map?
• Define "scale" and then explain how it limits the amount and type of information that can be shown on a map.
• How are flat map projections created? How are they distorted and why? Why is it important to match the projection to the purpose of the map? What was the original purpose of creating the Mercator projection?
• Why must the cartographer take into account the perceptual limitations of all map readers?
• Compare and contrast the ways in which geometric generalization and content generalization seek graphic clarity in mapping?
• What are some of the problems encountered in the final process of printing any map, and of photocopying a color map in black and white?
• Explain how map scale can be used to hide information in the environmental assessment report of a development project. Use an example from the book.
• Explain how map generalization can be used to make an advertisement more persuasive and appealing. Use an example from the book.
• Explain how maps can be used as political propaganda to manipulate opinion Use an example from the book.
• Explain why so many Soviet era maps of Russia were so inaccurate, and what technological innovation resulted in more accurate maps?
• Discuss the influence of the military on what is shown on modern USGS topographic maps.
• A single set of numerical data can yield markedly dissimilar maps depending on how the data is structured. Discuss these effects of aggregation and/or categorization on how data is displayed on a choropleth map using a specific example from the textbook.