GST 101 - Module 4 Self-assessment Quiz

1. A map is the primary output of a geographic information system.

True

False

Maps are the primary output of a GIS. However, a GIS can output many, many other things, such as data sets, statistics, movies, pictures, and web services.

Explanation

Maps are the primary output of a GIS. However, a GIS can output many, many other things, such as data sets, statistics, movies, pictures, and web services.

2. The primary purpose of a map is to visually communicate information.

True

False

Maps are visual communication devices.

Explanation

Maps are visual communication devices.

3. A cartographer is someone who studies the philosophical and theoretical bases of the rules for making maps.

True

False

Cartography (and, therefore, cartographers) has been an established profession for hundreds of years.

Explanation

Cartography (and, therefore, cartographers) has been an established profession for hundreds of years.

4. The three mediums of maps are: tangible, virtual, and mental.

True

False

Only tangible and virtual maps can be shared between people.

Explanation

Only tangible and virtual maps can be shared between people.

5. A qualitative map shows numerical data.

True

False

A qualitative map shows kinds of things. A quantitative map shows numerical data.

Explanation

A qualitative map shows kinds of things. A quantitative map shows numerical data.

6. A large scale map shows a large geographic area, and a small scale map shows a small geographic area.

True

False

Large scale maps show a small geographic area. "Large scale" refers to the relatively large size of the scale ratio (ex: 1:10,000,000).
Small scale maps show a large geographic area. "Small scale" refers to the relatively small size of the scale ratio (ex: 1:24,000).

Explanation

Large scale maps show a small geographic area. "Large scale" refers to the relatively large size of the scale ratio (ex: 1:10,000,000).
Small scale maps show a large geographic area. "Small scale" refers to the relatively small size of the scale ratio (ex: 1:24,000).

7. There are three kinds of maps: Reference, Thematic, and Qualitative .

True

False

There are two types of maps: Reference and Thematic.

Explanation

There are two types of maps: Reference and Thematic.

8. Cartographers should include any and all information available on a map because they never know what is useful to the map reader.

True

False

Maps should only include relevant features that assist the map reader in understanding the message of the map. Just because you have the data does not mean it should be included on the map.

Explanation

Maps should only include relevant features that assist the map reader in understanding the message of the map. Just because you have the data does not mean it should be included on the map.

9. Important items on a map should be placed towards the edges of the map.

True

False

The most important features on a map should be placed towards the center of the map so they catch the map reader's attention more easily.

Explanation

The most important features on a map should be placed towards the center of the map so they catch the map reader's attention more easily.

10. Ethically, a cartographer should use symbols to bias a map.

True

False

Cartographers should strive to never introduce bias into a map.

Explanation

Cartographers should strive to never introduce bias into a map.