1. Define the following (use a diagram if appropriate): (2pts
each; 10 pts total)
a) visible spectrum-
b) spectral signature and spectral response pattern-
c) pixel and raster (Did you know that raster is greek for rake?)-
d) thematic mapper (describe spatial/spectral characteristics)-
e) proposed high-resolution earth resources satellites (describe
spatial/spectral specifications) -
2. Extended Definitions: (5pts each; 20 pts total)
a) What is the distinction between spectral and spatial resolution
in remote sensing? Answer the question in terms of the distinction
between Landsat TM and SPOT imagery.
b) What is the spectral reflectance pattern of vegetation over
the .4 to 1.0 micron range in comparison to artificial turf? Use
a graph.
3. Data Management definitions: (2 pts each; 10 pts total)
a) TIN -
b) run-length encoding -
c) polygon model -
d) topological model -
e) DBMS integrity function -
4. Explain some of the major issues involved in GIS data quality.
What are sources of error? How is data quality often defined?
(10pt)
5. How important is the user interface in GIS? Is the complexity
of GIS software related to the inherent complexity of the operations
or is it the result of programmer stupidity in user interface
design combined with limitations in hardware and software? To
what extent can GIS functions become 'mainstream' and replace
how people use maps? (10 pts)
6. Do you think the following claim is a fair one? (10pts)
"In a capitalist society, GIS tends to reinforce the polarization
of power and wealth. Because GIS is expensive, it becomes a tool
for those who can afford it and serves their ends; while the have-nots
are too poor to have the access to the technology and thus fall
into a more powerless position."
7. Descibe the purpose and the major techniques (purpose, study
sites, hardware, software) used in the following articles: (5pts;
10 pts total)
a) Virtural Worlds Capture Spatial Reality-
b) Fuzzy Logic Can Help GIS Cope with Reality-
8. Explain the GPS system - satellite configuration, method of
determining location, accuracy, differential positioning (4pts
each; 20 pts total)