World Map Test Quiz: Exam!

A digital record of geographic information is called a geographic database because it is a collection of data that is organized and stored in a way that allows for efficient retrieval and analysis of geographic information. This database can include various types of information such as maps, satellite imagery, and spatial data, which can be used for mapping, analysis, and decision-making purposes in various fields such as urban planning, environmental management, and transportation.

The polar circumference is not a key reference point in the grid system. The grid system is based on the equator, which is the imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere. The prime meridian is another key reference point in the grid system, as it is the imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Eastern Hemisphere and the Western Hemisphere. However, the polar circumference does not play a significant role in the grid system.

The angle of intersection of all parallels and meridians on the Earth is 90 degrees. This is because parallels are lines that run parallel to the equator and never intersect, while meridians are lines that run from the North Pole to the South Pole and intersect at the poles. Since the equator is perpendicular to the meridians at the poles, the angle of intersection between parallels and meridians is 90 degrees.

The largest scale is determined by the ratio between the distance on the map and the actual distance on the ground. In this case, the scale 1:8,000 means that 1 unit on the map represents 8,000 units on the ground. Therefore, this scale is larger than the other options given (1:24,000, 1:50,000, and 1:63,360), indicating that it covers a smaller area with more detail.

The Land Ordinance of 1785 established a survey system that divided land into townships and sections. This system was put in place to facilitate the distribution and sale of land in the newly formed United States. Townships are large areas of land, typically measuring six miles by six miles, and sections are smaller subdivisions within townships, measuring one square mile each. This system allowed for organized and efficient land management and allocation.

The set of coordinates 34°N, 84°W corresponds to a place on the earth. The first number represents the latitude, which measures how far north or south a location is from the equator. In this case, 34°N indicates that the place is 34 degrees north of the equator. The second number represents the longitude, which measures how far east or west a location is from the Prime Meridian. In this case, 84°W indicates that the place is 84 degrees west of the Prime Meridian. Therefore, the coordinates 34°N, 84°W correspond to a specific location on the earth.

The correct answer is Mercator because it is the projection that is most commonly misused. The Mercator projection distorts the size and shape of land masses, particularly at higher latitudes, leading to a misrepresentation of the true size of countries and continents. This distortion has often been used to portray certain regions, such as Europe and North America, as larger and more dominant than they actually are. As a result, the Mercator projection has been criticized for its Eurocentric bias and for perpetuating colonial perspectives in maps.

Contour lines are lines on a map that connect points of equal elevation above sea level. They are used to represent the shape and elevation of the land. By connecting points of equal elevation, contour lines provide a visual representation of the terrain, allowing users to understand the topography of an area. Remote sensing techniques can be used to detect and map contour lines by analyzing data collected from satellites or other sensors. While shaded relief can provide a more realistic depiction of terrain, contour lines are still valuable for accurately representing elevation information.

The Land Ordinance of 1785 established a systematic survey known as the township and range system. This system divided land into a grid of townships, each measuring six miles by six miles, and further divided each township into 36 sections. The purpose of this system was to facilitate the orderly settlement and sale of public lands in the newly acquired western territories of the United States. It provided a consistent and efficient way to identify and describe land parcels, making it easier for settlers and land speculators to locate and purchase land.

The scale of a map refers to the ratio of distance on the map to the actual distance on the ground. A smaller scale indicates a larger area being represented on the map, but with less detail. In this case, a scale of 1:24,000 means that 1 unit on the map represents 24,000 units on the ground. This scale shows the most detail because it represents a smaller area with a higher level of precision compared to the other options. Therefore, the map drawn at a scale of 1:24,000 would show the most detail.

A geographic information system (GIS) is primarily based on the use of a computer. GIS is a system that captures, stores, analyzes, and manages spatial or geographic data. It uses computer technology to process and display this data, allowing users to create maps, analyze patterns, and make informed decisions. Without a computer, it would be impossible to efficiently handle and manipulate the large amounts of data involved in GIS. Therefore, a computer is an essential component of a GIS.

The statement "a curved surface cannot be represented on a flat surface without distortion" provides a valid explanation for why every projection has some degree of distortion. When trying to represent the Earth's curved surface on a flat map, it is impossible to do so without distorting certain aspects of the map. This is because the Earth is three-dimensional, while maps are two-dimensional. Therefore, any projection method used will result in some form of distortion, whether it is in shape, distance, area, or direction.

This answer is correct because an equidistant projection is a type of map projection that accurately represents distances from one or two central points. This means that the distances between any two points on the map are proportional to their actual distances on the Earth's surface. Unlike other map projections, such as the Mercator projection, which distort distances, an equidistant projection maintains true distance measurements in all directions from the central point(s). Therefore, this answer accurately describes the characteristics of an equidistant projection.

The correct answer is "is the vertical spacing between contour lines." This explanation is supported by the definition of a contour interval, which refers to the vertical distance or difference in elevation between two adjacent contour lines on a topographic map. The contour interval helps to represent the changes in elevation and the shape of the land accurately. By knowing the contour interval, one can determine the steepness or slope of the terrain and identify features such as hills, valleys, and ridges on a topographic map.

Topographic maps do not only portray the terrain but also the features that people have added to the natural landscape. These features include roads, buildings, and other man-made structures. Topographic maps are used by engineers, regional planners, and land use analysts to study and analyze the physical characteristics of an area, including both natural and man-made features. The contour line is the principal device used to indicate elevation on a topographic map. Aerial photography is employed to speed up the production process of creating topographic maps.

The correct answer is "area, shape, distance, direction." This answer accurately lists the four main properties of maps. "Area" refers to the representation of land or space on a map. "Shape" refers to the accurate depiction of the shapes of geographical features. "Distance" refers to the measurement of distances between different points on the map. "Direction" refers to the indication of cardinal directions such as north, south, east, and west on the map.

A map scale of 1:25,000 means that one inch on the map represents 25,000 inches on earth. This means that the map is drawn at a ratio of 1 inch on the map to 25,000 inches on the actual ground. It indicates that the map is a detailed representation of the area, with each inch on the map corresponding to a significant distance on the earth's surface.

Conic projections are often used to depict hemispheres or small parts of the earth because the cone is the developable surface closest in form to one-half of a globe. This means that when the globe is projected onto a cone, the resulting map will have minimal distortion and accurately represent the shape and proportions of the hemisphere or small part being depicted. Other projections may introduce more distortion and inaccuracies in representing the curved surface of the earth on a flat map.

A great circle is formed on the surface of a sphere by a plane that passes through the center of the sphere. This is because a great circle is defined as a circle on the surface of a sphere whose center coincides with the center of the sphere. Therefore, the correct answer is that the plane passes through the center of the sphere.

The prime meridian is an imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole, dividing the Earth into the Eastern and Western hemispheres. It serves as the reference point for measuring longitude and is used as the basis for setting time zones. This line does not pass through Greenwich Village, New York, as stated in one of the options. Instead, it connects the North and South poles, allowing for the accurate measurement of locations east or west of it.

Latitude lines are always parallel to each other on a globe because they are imaginary circles that run horizontally around the Earth. They are parallel to the equator, which is the starting point for measuring latitude. As latitude increases or decreases from the equator, the lines remain parallel to each other. This allows for accurate measurement and mapping of locations on the Earth's surface.

Choropleth maps are used to display how a particular phenomenon or variable varies across different areas or regions. They use different colors or shading to represent the varying levels or amounts of the phenomenon being mapped. This allows for easy visualization and comparison of the data across different geographic areas. Therefore, choropleth maps are the correct answer for maps that show how the amount of a phenomenon varies from area to area.

The representative fraction scale of a map represents the relationship between the distance on the map and the corresponding distance on the ground. In this case, the scale 1: 15,840 means that one unit of measurement on the map (in this case, one inch) represents 15,840 units of the same measurement on the ground (in this case, one-quarter of a mile). Therefore, the correct answer is 1: 15,840.

The correct answer is "It is the angular distance east or west of the prime meridian." This statement accurately describes longitude as the measurement of how far east or west a location is from the prime meridian, which is the reference point for measuring longitude. Longitude is measured in degrees, ranging from 0° to 180° east or west of the prime meridian.

Thermal scanners are devices that sense the heat emitted by objects on earth and are not limited to operating only in the daytime. They have been used to detect water pollution and do not use photographic film.

An equivalent map is one in which the scale is the same everywhere on the map, meaning that one square inch represents the same number of square miles regardless of the location on the map. This type of map is useful for accurately representing the area of different regions on the map.

A choropleth map is a thematic map that uses different colors or shading to represent data values for specific geographic areas. In this case, population density by county would be an example of a choropleth map because it would use different colors or shading to show the varying densities of population in different counties.

In a relatively flat area, the contour lines will be spaced closely together since there is minimal change in elevation. A smaller contour interval, such as 5 feet, allows for more detailed representation of the terrain. This interval will show small variations in elevation accurately, giving a clearer picture of the topography. Larger contour intervals like 50 feet, 100 feet, or 1,000 feet would result in fewer contour lines and less detail, making it harder to interpret the landform accurately.

As one crosses the International Date Line going eastward, the calendar day should be moved back one day. This is because the International Date Line serves as the transition point between two consecutive calendar days. When crossing from west to east, you are essentially moving ahead in time, so to maintain continuity, the calendar day is adjusted by moving it back one day.

Small-scale maps do not permit the accurate measurement of major features. This is because small-scale maps cover a larger area and therefore have less detail. They are designed to give a general idea of the relative locations of major features rather than providing precise measurements.

A map line showing constant compass directions is called a rhumb line. A rhumb line is a line on the surface of a sphere that cuts all meridians at the same angle, which means it maintains a constant compass direction. This type of line is commonly used for navigation purposes, as it allows for a steady course to be maintained. The other options, conformal line, equivalent line, and matrix line, do not accurately describe a map line showing constant compass directions.

The Mercator projection is commonly used by navigators to determine the shortest route of travel. This projection preserves straight lines, making it useful for navigation purposes. It is a cylindrical projection that distorts the size and shape of landmasses as they get farther from the equator, but it accurately represents directions and angles. This distortion is not a concern for navigators as their main focus is on plotting a straight course. Therefore, the Mercator projection is the most suitable choice for determining the shortest route of travel.

Isolines are lines on a map that connect points of equal value, such as contour lines on a topographic map. They represent a constant value, whether it is elevation, temperature, or any other variable. Cartograms, GPS lines, and projection lines do not necessarily represent constant values and are not specifically designed for that purpose. Therefore, isolines are the only option that fits the description of lines of constant value.

A map that accurately portrays the shapes of small areas is called "conformal." Conformal maps preserve the angles between lines on the map, meaning that the shapes of small areas are accurately represented. This type of map is commonly used in navigation and cartography to accurately depict the shapes of land masses, coastlines, and other features on a smaller scale.

Meridians of longitude are imaginary lines that run from the North Pole to the South Pole, measuring the distance east or west of the Prime Meridian. The equator is the line of latitude that divides the Earth into the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere. Since the equator is the widest point on the Earth, the meridians of longitude are farthest apart at this location. As you move towards the poles, the meridians gradually converge until they meet at the poles, where they are closest together. Therefore, the equator is the correct answer.

The map scale of 1:31,680 means that 1 unit on the map represents 31,680 units on the ground. In this case, we want to find how many inches on the map would represent 4 miles on the ground. Since there are 63,360 inches in a mile (5,280 feet x 12 inches), we can calculate that 4 miles on the ground would be represented by 4 x 63,360 = 253,440 inches on the map. Therefore, we can conclude that 8 inches on the map would be needed to represent 4 miles on the ground.

The statement "Parallels increase in length as one nears the poles" is not a globe property. In reality, parallels, also known as lines of latitude, decrease in length as one nears the poles. The distance between each parallel gets shorter as they approach the poles, with the equator being the longest parallel. This is because the Earth is not a perfect sphere but an oblate spheroid, meaning it is slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator.

When one travels one-eighth of the distance around the world along the same parallel of latitude, the angular distance of longitude traversed is 45%. This can be explained by the fact that the Earth is divided into 360 degrees of longitude. Since the traveler is only covering one-eighth of the distance around the world, they would be covering one-eighth of the total 360 degrees of longitude, which is equal to 45%.

A developable surface is a surface that can be flattened onto a plane without any distortion or stretching. A plane, cylinder, and cone are all examples of developable surfaces because they can be unfolded onto a flat surface without any changes to their shape. However, a sphere cannot be flattened onto a plane without distortion because it is a curved surface with no flat sections. Therefore, the sphere is the only option that is not a developable surface.