Tilak Education Society’s

S.K College of Science and Commerce, Nerul

Question Bank, TYIT
Subject: GIS
UNIT V

Q1 How maps can be used as input for a GIS?

ANS There is a strong relationship between Maps and GIS. Maps are used as input for GIS. They play a key
role in relation to all the functional components of GIS as shown in figure.

Data capture
and preparation

Storage and
maintenance

Manipulation Data preparation

and analysis

• A map can deal with question / answers related to the basic components of spatial or
geographic data: location, characteristics and time, and their combination.
• As such, maps are the most efficient and effective means to transfer spatial information. The
map user can locate geographic objects, while the shape and colours of signs and symbols
representing the object informs about their characteristics.
• As soon as the location of geographic objects is involved. A map becomes useful. However,
maps can do more than just providing information on location. They can also inform about the
thematic attributes of the geographic objects located in the map.
• A map simplifies by leaving out certain details, but at the same time it puts the remaining
information in a clear perspective.

Q2. Explain how maps are divided? (Topographical maps and Thematic maps)

ANS Traditionally, maps are divided into topographic maps and thematic maps.
• A topographic map visualizes, limited by its scale, the Earth’s surface as accurately as possible.
• This may include infrastructure (e.g. railroads and roads), land use Topographic maps (E.g.
vegetation and built-up area), relief, hydrology, geographic names and a reference grid.
• Thematic maps represent the distribution of particular themes.
• One can distinguish between socio-economic themes and physical themes using Thematic
maps.
• Thematic maps also contain information found in a topographic map, so as to provide
 Tilak Education Society’s
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Question Bank, TYIT
Subject: GIS
UNIT V

geographic reference to the theme represented. The amount of topographic information

required depends on the map theme.
• In general, a physical map will need more topographic data than most socio-economic maps,
which normally only need administrative boundaries.
• Today’s digital environment has diminished the distinction between topographic and thematic
maps. Often, both topographic and thematic maps are stored in the database as separate data
layers. Each layer contains data on a particular topic, and the user is able to switch layers on or
off at will.
• The design of topographic maps is mostly based on conventions, of which some date back
several centuries. Examples are the use of blue to represent water, green for forests, red for
major roads, and black to denote urban or built-up Cartographic grammar areas.
• The design of thematic maps, however, should be based on a set of cartographic rules, also
called cartographic grammar.
• Maps can further be distinguished according to the dimensions of spatial data that are
graphically represented. GIS users also try to solve problems that deal with three-dimensional
reality or with change processes. This results in a demand for other than just two-dimensional
maps to represent geographic reality. Three-dimensional and even four-dimensional (namely,
including time) maps are then required.

Q3 Differentiate topographical map and thematic map.

ANS Topological map Thematic map

A topographic map is a type of a map A thematic map is a map that focuses on a

characterized by large scale detail and specific theme or subject area.
quantitative representation of relief, usually
using contour lines, but historically using
a variety of methods.

A topographic survey is typically published This is in contrast to general reference

as a map series, made up of two or more maps, which regularly show the variety of
map sheets that combine to form the phenomena geological, geographical, and
whole map. political together.

These maps depict in detail ground relief Thematic maps emphasize spatial variation
(landforms and terrain), drainage (lakes and of one or a small number of geographic
rivers), forest cover, administrative areas, distributions. These distributions may be
 Tilak Education Society’s
S.K College of Science and Commerce, Nerul
Question Bank, TYIT
Subject: GIS
UNIT V

populated areas, transportation routes and physical phenomena such as climate or

facilities (including roads and railways), and human characteristics such as population
other man-made features. density and health issues.

The study or discipline of topography is a Thematic maps are sometimes referred to

much broader field of study, which takes as graphic essays that portray spatial
into account all natural and man-made variations and interrelationships of
features of terrain. geographical distributions.

Topographic maps have multiple uses in the Thematic maps serve three primary
present day: any type of purposes.
geographic planning or large
• They provide specific information
scale architecture; earth sciences and many
about particular locations.
other geographic disciplines; mining and
• They provide general information
other earth-based endeavours; civil
about spatial patterns.
engineering and recreational uses such
• They can be used to compare
as hiking and orienteering.
patterns on two or more maps.

Q4 What is small-scale map?

ANS

• The map scale is the ratio between a distance to the map and the corresponding distance in
reality.
• A map is classified as small scale or large scale or sometimes medium scale.
• Small scale refers to world maps or maps of large regions such as continents or large nations.
• In other words, they show large areas of land on a small space. They are called small scale
because the representative fraction is relatively small.
• They show important features like mountains, plateaus, continents and countries.
• The RF scale of a small scale map would have a much larger number to the right of the colon
such as 1 : 1,000,000.
• The advantages of this in comparison with a large-scale map would be that a large area can be
displayed and available for view, and it would also be helpful for international/global travel
and navigation.
• The different types of small scale maps are :-
a) WALL MAPS
b) ATLAS
c) WORLD MAPS
d) MAPS OF COUNTRIES { POLITICAL OR PHYSICAL }
e) MAPS OF OCEANS
f) MAPS OF CONTINENTS
 Tilak Education Society’s
S.K College of Science and Commerce, Nerul
Question Bank, TYIT
Subject: GIS
UNIT V

Q5 Explain the terms – a) visual communication b) visual thinking process and c) visual data mining.

ANS
a) Visual Communication –
The main function of maps is to communicate geographic information, i.e. to inform the map user
about location and nature of geographic phenomena and spatial patterns.
Well-trained cartographers are designing and producing maps, supported by a whole set of
cartographic tools and theory. This process of communicating the geographic information with user
using various designs called as visual communication.
b) Visual Thinking Process –
Visual thinking is a body of methodologies that uses diagrams to represent ideas , concepts, process
flows and relationships. Generally, ideas and concepts are represented by images to show association
and represent flow. Even the spreadsheet software used commonly in office today has mapping
capabilities, although most users are not aware of this.
Many of these maps Visual thinking process are not produced as final products, but rather as
intermediaries to support the user in her/his work dealing with spatial data. The map has started to
play a completely new role: it is not only a communication tool, but also has become an aid in the
user’s (visual) thinking process.
c) Visual Data Mining –
This thinking process is accelerated by the continued developments in hard and software. Media like
DVD-ROMs and the WWW allow dynamic presentation and also user interaction. These went along
with changing scientific and societal needs for georeferenced data and, as such, for maps.
Users now expect immediate and real-time access to the data; data that have become abundant in
many sectors of the geoinformation world. We lack the tools for user-friendly queries and retrieval
when studying the massive amount of (spatial) data produced by sensors, which is now available via
the WWW.
A new branch of science is currently evolving to deal with this problem of abundance. In the geo-
disciplines, it is called visual data mining.

Q6 Explain the term visualization in GIS.

Answer:
Developments in visual communication, visual thinking process and visual data mining have given the
term visualization an enhanced meaning.
According to the dictionary, it means ‘to make visible’ or ’to represent in graphical form’. It can be
argued that, in the case of spatial data, this has always been the business of cartographers. However,
progress in other disciplines has linked the word to more specific ways in which modern computer
technology can facilitate the process of ‘making visible’ in real time.
Specific software toolboxes have been developed, and their functionality is based on two key words:
 Tilak Education Society’s
S.K College of Science and Commerce, Nerul
Question Bank, TYIT
Subject: GIS
UNIT V

Interaction and dynamics. A separate discipline, called scientific visualization, has developed around it,
and has also had an important impact on cartography.
It offers the user the possibility of instantaneously changing the appearance of a map. Interaction with
the map will stimulate the user’s thinking and will add a new function to the map. As well as
communication, it will prompt thinking and decision-making.
Developments in scientific visualization stimulated DiBiase to define a model for map-based scientific
visualization, also known as geovisualization. It covers both the presentation and exploration
functions of the map (see Figure 7.9).

Presentation is described as ‘public visual communication’ since it concerns maps aimed at a wide
audience. Exploration is defined as ‘private visual thinking’ because it is often an individual playing
with the spatial data to determine its significance.
It is obvious that presentation fits into the traditional realm of cartography, where the cartographer
works on known spatial data and creates com- Geovisualizationmunicative maps. Such maps are often
created for multiple use.
Exploration, however, often involves a discipline expert who creates maps while dealing with
unknown data. These maps are generally for a single purpose, expedient in the expert’s attempt to
solve a problem.
While dealing with the data, the expert should be able to rely on cartographic expertise, provided by
the software or some other means. Essentially, here the problem of translation of spatial data into
cartographic symbols also needs to be solved.

Q7 Explain visualization process in GIS.

Answer-:

• The cartographic visualization process is considered to be the translation or conversion of

spatial data from a database into graphics.
• There are predominantly map like products. During the visualization process, cartographic
methods and techniques are applied.
 Tilak Education Society’s
S.K College of Science and Commerce, Nerul
Question Bank, TYIT
Subject: GIS
UNIT V

• These can be considered to form a kind of grammar that allows for the optimal design and
production for the use of maps, depending on the application.

Fig: Cartographic visualization process

• The producer of these visual products may be a professional cartographer, but may also be a
discipline expert, for instance, mapping vegetation, stands using remote sensing images, or
health statistics in the slums of the city.
• To enable the translation from spatial data into graphics, we assume that the data available
and that the spatial database is well-structured.
• The visualization process can vary greatly depending on where in the spatial data handling
process it takes place and the purpose for which it is needed.
• Visualization can be, and are, created during any phase of the spatial data handling process as
indicated before. They can be simple or complex, while the production time can be short or
long.
• The visualization process is guided by the question “How do I say what to whom?” “How”
refers to cartographic methods and techniques.
• “I” represents the cartographer or map maker, “say” deals with communicating in graphics the
semantics of the spatial data.
• “What” refers to the spatial data and its characteristics, (for instance, whether they are of a
qualitative or quantitative nature).
• “Whom” refers to the map audience and the purpose of the map—a map for scientists
requires to the map audience and the purpose of the map—a map for scientists requires a
different approach than a map on the same topic aimed at children.
• The visualization process should be tested on its effectiveness. To the proposition “How do I
say what to whom” We have to add “and is it effective?” Based on feedback from map users,
or knowledge about the effectiveness of cartographic solutions, we can decide whether
improvements are needed, and derive recommendations for future application of those
solution.
• The visualization process is always influenced by several factors. Some of these questions can
be answered by just looking at the content of the spatial database:-
• What will be the scale of the map: large, small, other? This introduces the
problem of generalization. Generalization addresses the meaningful
reduction of the map content during scale reduction.
• Are we dealing with topographic or thematic data? These two categories
traditionally resulted in different design approaches .
More important for the design is the question of whether the data to be represented are of a
 Tilak Education Society’s
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Question Bank, TYIT
Subject: GIS
UNIT V

quantitative or qualitative nature.

Q8 Explain cartographic communication process.

To create a map, one selects relevant geographic data and converts these into meaningful symbols for
the map. Paper maps (in the past) had a dual function. They acted as a database of the objects
selected from reality, and communicated information about these geographic objects.
The introduction of computer technology, and databases in particular, has created a split between
these two functions of the map. The database function is no longer required for the map, although
each map can still function like it. The communicative function of maps has not changed.
The sentence “How do I say what to whom, and is it effective?” guides the cartographic visualization
process, and summarizes the cartographic communication principle. Especially when dealing with
maps in the realm of presentation cartography (Figure 7.9), it is important to adhere to the
cartographic design rules.

This is to guarantee that the resulting maps are easily understood by their users. How does this
communication process work? Figure 7.10 forms an illustration.
It starts with information to be mapped. Before Visual communication anything can be done, the
cartographer should get a feel for the nature of the process information, since this determines the
graphical options.
Cartographic information analysis provides this. Based on this knowledge, the cartographer can
choose the correct symbols to represent the information in the map. She/he has a whole toolbox of
visual variables available to match symbols with the nature of the data.
Returning to the scheme, the map is read by the map users. They extract some information from the
map, represented by the box entitled ‘Info-retrieved’. From the figure it becomes clear that the boxes
with ‘Information’ and ‘Info retrieved’ do not overlap.
This means the information derived by the map user is not the same as the information that the
cartographic communication process started with. There may be several causes. Possibly, the original
information was not all used or additional information has been added during the process.
Omission of information could be deliberately caused by the cartographer, with the aim of
emphasizing the remaining information. Another possibility is that the map user did not fully
understand the map.
 Tilak Education Society’s
S.K College of Science and Commerce, Nerul
Question Bank, TYIT
Subject: GIS
UNIT V

Q9 State and explain qualitative data.

ANS • If, after a long fieldwork period, one has finally delineated the boundaries of a
province’s watersheds, one likely is interested in a map showing these areas. The
geographic units in the map will have to represent the individual watersheds. In
such a map, each of the watersheds should get equal attention, and none should
stand out above the others.
• The application of colour would be the best solution since is has characteristics that allow
one to quickly differentiate between different geographic units. However, since none of the
watersheds is more important than the others, the colours used have to be of equal visual weight or
brightness.
• The readability is influenced by the number of displayed geographic units. In this example, there
are about 15. When this number is much higher, the map, at the scale displayed here, will become too
cluttered.
• The map can also be made by filling the watershed areas by different forms (like small circles,
squares, triangles, etc.) in one colour (e.g. black for a monochrome map)—as an application of
the visual variable shape. The amount of geographic units that can be displayed is then even more
critical.
• In some maps several tints of black are used—as application of the visual variable ‘value’. looking
at the map may cause perceptual confusion since the map image suggests differences in importance
that are not there in reality.

• In other several maps colours are used instead. However, where most watersheds are represented
in pastel tints, one of them stands out by its bright colour. This gives the map an unbalanced look. The
viewer’s eye will be distracted by the bright colours, resulting in an unjustified weaker attention for
other areas.

Que.10. Write short note on quantitative data.

• When, after executing a census, one would for instance like to create a map with
the number of people living in each municipality, one deals with absolute quantitative
data. The geographic units will logically be the municipalities. The final
map should allow the user to determine the amount per municipality and also
offer an overview of the geographic distribution of the phenomenon.

•To reach this objective, the symbols used should have quantitative perception properties.
Symbols varying in size fulfil this demand, different tints of green (the visual variable ‘value’) have
been used to represent absolute population numbers.

• The reader might get a reasonable impression of the individual amounts but not of the actual
geographic distribution of the population, as the size of the geographic units will influence the
perceptional properties too much. Imagine a small and a large unit having the same number of
inhabitants.
 Tilak Education Society’s
S.K College of Science and Commerce, Nerul
Question Bank, TYIT
Subject: GIS
UNIT V

• The large unit would visually attract more attention, giving the impression there
are more people than in the small unit. Another issue is that the population is
not necessarily homogeneously distributed within the geographic units.

• Colour has also been misused .The applied four-colour scheme makes it is impossible to infer
whether red represents more populated areas than blue. It is impossible to instantaneously answer a
question like “Where do most people in Overijssel live?” On the basis of absolute population numbers
per municipality and their geographic size, we can also generate a map that shows population density
per municipality.

• We then deal with relative quantitative data. The numbers now have a clear relation with the area
they represent. The geographic unit will again be municipality. The aim of the map is to give an
overview of the distribution of Mapping relative quantities the population density. In the map value
has been used to display the density from low (light tints) to high (dark tints). The map reader will
automatically and in a glance associate the dark colours with high density and the light values with low
density.

Q11 Give brief description on how to map the terrain data.

• Terrain elevation can be mapped using different methods. Often, one will have
collected an elevation data set for individual points like peaks, or other characteristic
points in the terrain. Obviously, one can map the individual points and add the height information as
text.

• However, a contour map, in which the lines connect points of equal elevation, is generally used. To
visually improve the information content of such a map the space between the contour lines can be
filled with colour and value information following a convention, e.g. green for low elevation and
brown for high elevation areas. This technique is known as hypsometric or layer tinting.

• Even more advanced is the addition of shaded relief. This will improve the impression of the three-
dimensional relief . The shaded relief map uses the full three-dimensional information to create
shading effects. This map, represented on a two-dimensional surface, can also be floated in three-
dimensional space to give it a real three-dimensional appearance of a ‘virtual world’. Looking at such a
representation one can immediately imagine that it will not always be effective. Certain (low) objects
in the map will easily disappear behind other (higher) objects.

• Interactive functions are required to manipulate the map in three-dimensional

space in order to look behind some objects. These manipulations include panning,
zooming, rotating and scaling. Scaling is needed, particularly along the
z-axis, since some maps require small-scale elevation resolution, while others
require large-scale resolution, i.e. vertical exaggeration.

• One can even imagine that other geographic, three-dimensional objects (for instance, the built-up
area of a city and individual houses) have been placed on top of the terrain model, like it is done in
Google Earth. Of course, one can also visualize objects below the surface in a similar way, but this is
more difficult because the data to describe underground objects are sparsely available. Socio-
economic data can also be viewed in three dimensions.

• This may result in dramatic images, which will be long remembered by the map user. The absolute
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Question Bank, TYIT
Subject: GIS
UNIT V

population figures of Overijssel in three dimensions. Instead of a proportionally sized circles to depict
the number of people living in a municipality the proportional height of a municipality now indicates
total population. The image clearly shows that Enschede (the large column in the lower right) is by far
the highest populated municipality.

Q12 Describe how to map time series?

Advances in spatial data handling have not only made the third dimension part of GIS routines.
Nowadays, the handling of time-dependent data is also part of these routines. This has been caused
by the increasing availability of data captured at different periods in time. Next to this data
abundance, the GIS community wants to analyse changes caused by real world processes. To that end,
single time slice data are no longer sufficient, and the visualization of these processes cannot be
supported with only static paper maps. Mapping time means mapping change. This may be change in
a feature’s geometry, in its attributes or both. Examples of changing geometry are the evolving
coastline of the, the location of Europe’s Mapping changing national boundaries, or the position of
weather fronts. The changes of a land par- phenomena cel’s owner, landuse, or changes in road traffic
intensity are examples of changing attributes. Urban growth is a combination of both. The urban
boundaries expand and simultaneously the land use shifts from rural to urban. If maps are to
represent events like these, they should be suggestive of such change. This implies the use of symbols
that are perceived as representing change. Examples of such symbols are arrows that have an origin
and a destination. They are used to show movement and their size can be an indication of the
magnitude of change. Size changes can also be applied to other point and line symbols to show
increase and decrease over time. Specific point symbols such as ‘crossed Using symbology to swords’
(battle) or ‘lightning’ (riots) can be found to represent dynamics in his- represent change toric maps.
Another alternative is the use of the visual variable value (expressed as tints). In a map showing the
development of a town, dark tints represent old built-up areas, while new built-up areas are
represented by light tints. It is possible to distinguish between three temporal cartographic
techniques.
1. Single static map: Specific graphic variables and symbols are used to indicate change or represent
an event.
2. Series of static maps: A single map in the series represents a ‘snapshot’ in time. Together, the maps
depict a process of change. Change is perceived by the succession of individual maps depicting the
situation in successive snapshots. It could be said that the temporal sequence is represented by
Temporal cartographic a spatial sequence, which the user has to follow, to perceive the temporal
techniques variation. The number of images should be limited since it is difficult for the human eye to
follow long series of maps.
3. Animated map: Change is perceived to happen in a single image by displaying several snapshots
after each other just like a video cut with successive frames. The difference with the series of maps is
that the variation can be deduced from real ‘change’ in the image itself, not from a spatial sequence.

Q13 Distinguish between three temporal cartographic techniques.

ANS a.Single static map: Specific graphic variables and symbols are used to indicate change or represent
an event. Given figure applies the visual variable value to represent the age of the built-up areas.
b.Series of static maps: A single map in the series represents a ‘snapshot’ in time. Together, the maps
 Tilak Education Society’s
S.K College of Science and Commerce, Nerul
Question Bank, TYIT
Subject: GIS
UNIT V

depict a process of change. Change is perceived by the succession of individual maps depicting the
situation in successive snapshots. It could be said that the temporal sequence is represented by a
spatial sequence, which the user has to follow, to perceive the temporal variation. The number of
images should be limited since it is difficult for the human eye to follow long series of maps.
c.Animated map: Change is perceived to happen in a single image by displaying several snapshots
after each other just like a video cut with successive frames. The difference with the series of maps is
that the
variation can
be deduced
from real
‘change’ in
the image
itself, not
from a spatial
sequence

Q14 What is cartographic toolbox? what kind of data do we have in cartographic toolbox?

>The tools in the Cartography toolbox are designed to produce and refine data to support the
production of maps. This includes the creation of annotation and masks, the simplification of features
and reduction of their density, the refinement and management of symbolized features, the creation
of grids and graticules, and the management of data-driven pages for layout.
>Here we take a look at the different types of data in relation to how we might map them. >Data will
 Tilak Education Society’s
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Question Bank, TYIT
Subject: GIS
UNIT V

be of a qualitative or quantitative nature. This data exists as discrete, named values without a natural
order amongst the values Examples are the different languages (e.g. English, Swahili, Dutch), the
different soil types (e.g. sand, clay, peat) or the different land use categories (e.g. arable land,
pasture).
>In the map, qualitative data are classified according to disciplinary insights such as a soil classification
system represented as basic geographic units: homogeneous areas associated with a single soil type,
recognized by the soil classification. Quantitative data can be measured, either along an interval or
ratio scale.
>For data measured on an interval scale, the exact distance between values is known, but there is no
absolute zero on the scale. Temperature is an example: 40 ◦ C is not twice as warm as 20 ◦ C, and 0 ◦ C
is not an absolute zero. Quantitative data with a ratio scale does have a known absolute zero. An
example is income: someone earning $100 earns twice as much as someone with an income of $50.
>In order to generate maps, quantitative data are often classified into categories according to some
mathematical method. In between qualitative and quantitative data, one can distinguish ordinal data.
These data are measured along a relative scale, based on hierarchies. For instance, one knows that
one value is ‘more’ than another value, such as ‘warm’ versus ‘cool’. Another example is a hierarchy of
road types: ‘highway’, ‘mainroad’, ‘secondary road’ and ‘track’.
>The different types of data are summarized in Table

Que.15 How
to map a
cartographic
data?
>Basic
elements of
a map,
irrespective
of the
medium on
which it is displayed, are point symbols, line symbols, area symbols, and text.
>The appearance of point, line, and area symbols can vary depending on their nature. Most maps in
this book show symbols in different size, shape and colour.
>Points can vary in form or colour to represent the location of shops or they can vary in size to
represent aggregated values (like number of inhabitants) for an administrative area. Lines can vary in
colour to distinguish between administrative boundaries and rivers, or vary in shape to show the
difference between railroads and roads. Areas follow the same principles: difference in colour
distinguishes between different vegetation stands.
>Symbology Although the variations in symbol appearance are only limited by the imagination they
can be grouped together in a few categories. Bertin distinguished six categories, which he called the
visual variables and which may be applied to point, line and area symbols. As illustrated in Figure, they
are:
• Size,
• Value (lightness),
• Texture,
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Question Bank, TYIT
Subject: GIS
UNIT V

• Colour,
• Orientation and
• Shape.

>These
visual
variables
can be used
to make one
symbol
different
from
another. In
doing this,
map makers
in principle
have free
choice,
provided
they do not
violate the
rules of
cartographic grammar. They do not have that choice when deciding where to locate the symbol in the
map. The symbol should be located where features belong.
>Visual variables influence the map user’s perception in different ways. What is perceived depends on
the human capacity to see or perceive:
• What is of equal importance (e.g. all red symbols represent danger),
• Order (e.g. the population density varies from low to high—represented
by light and dark colour tints, respectively),
• Quantities (e.g. symbols changing in size with small symbols for small
amounts), or
• An instant overview of the mapped theme.

Que.16. Short note on Map Cosmetics.

Most maps in this chapter are correct from a cartographic grammar perspective. However, many of
them lack the additional information needed to be fully understood that is usually placed in the
margin of printed maps. Each map should have, next to the map image, a title, informing the user
about the topic visualized.
A legend is necessary to understand how the topic is depicted. Additional Fundamental requirements
marginal information to be found on a map is a scale indicator, a north arrow for orientation, the map
datum and map projection used, and some lineage information, (such as data sources, dates of data
collection, methods used, etc.)
All this information allows the user to obtain an impression of the quality of the map, and is
 Tilak Education Society’s
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Subject: GIS
UNIT V

comparable with metadata describing the contents of a database or data layer.

Maps constructed via the basic cartographic guidelines are not necessarily visually appealing maps.
Although well-constructed, they might still look sterile. The design aspect of creating appealing maps
also has to be included in the visualization process. ‘Appealing’ does not only mean having nice
colours. One of the keywords here is contrast. Contrast will increase the communicative role of the
map since it creates a hierarchy in the map contents, assuming that not all information has equal
importance. This design trick is known as visual hierarchy Contrast and visual or the figure-ground
concept.

Que.17. Different elements of Map Cosmetics

• Data Frame

The data frame is the portion of the map that displays the data layers. This section is the most
important and central focus of the map document. In the example displayed at the end of this article,
the data frame contains fire history for the community of Topanga.
• Legend

The legend serves as the decoder for the symbology in the data frame. Therefore, it is also commonly
known as the key. Descriptions detailing any color schemata, symbology or categorization is explained
here. In the legend below, the fire history schemata has been categorized with a graduating color
scheme. The legend details which colours refer to which years. Without the legend, the color scheme
on the map would make no sense to the viewer. The legend tells the viewer that the lighter the
colour, the longer the last recorded date of fire has been.
• Title

The title is important because it instantly gives the viewer a succinct description of the subject matter
of the map. The title “Fire History in Topanga, California” quickly tells the viewer the subject matter
and location of the data.

• North Arrow

The purpose of the north arrow is for orientation. This allows the viewer to determine the direction of
the map as it relates to due north. Most maps tend to be oriented so that due north faces the top of
the page. There are exceptions to this and having the north arrow allows the viewer to know which
direction the data is oriented. To learn more about when to use a North Arrow.

.Define and explain “Legend” in brief.

• A legend tells the map reader the meaning of the symbols used to represent features on the
map. When a layer is added to a legend, it becomes a legend item with a patch showing an
example of the map symbols and explanatory text. Legends can be added to your layout based
on a map or a smaller group of the map's layers.
• A legend tells a map reader the meaning of the symbols used to represent features on the
map. Legends consist of examples of the symbols on the map with labels containing
 Tilak Education Society’s
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Question Bank, TYIT
Subject: GIS
UNIT V

explanatory text. When you use a single symbol for the features in a layer, the layer is labelled
with the layer's name in the legend. When you use multiple symbols to represent features in a
single layer, the field you use to classify the features becomes a heading in the legend, and
each category is labelled with its value.
• Legends have patches that show examples of the map symbols. By default, the legend patches
are points, straight lines, or rectangles that match the map symbols. You can customize the
legend patches, for example, so areas are represented with patches of another shape, or rivers
are drawn with a sinuous rather than a straight line.

Considerations in Legend Design

• Content is contained in the legend to aid in the interpretation of the map. Legends usually
contain a title and portray the symbology with a concise explanation. The title of the legend
does not need to have the word "legend" in it; often it does not need a title at all. However,
when it is necessary (i.e. to explain the meaning of the choropleth map or other vital
information in the legend) then the title becomes the key element. The symbologywithin the
legend will contain figures, shapes, lines and colors. If symbols on the map are self-
explanatory, they need not appear on the legend. [4] Whenever a legend involves quantities of
any type, explicitly state the units on the legend.

• Design involves the overall appearance of the legend. The symbology of the legend must
match the symbology on the map with the same size, weight, color and meaning. If the
symbology is difficult or slightly confusing, it is important to have a brief explanation of the
symbol so the reader of the map understands the meaning. A highly aesthetic legend can be
nice yet distracting from the map. Be concise - not every symbol used on the map needs to be
in the legend. In choropleth mapping, for example, orientation is an important aspect of
legend design and there are many arguments about the benefits and detriments of vertical
versus horizontal legends[6]. The main task of both orientations is to accurately and effectively
depict more or less of a certain value or phenomena. Ultimately, most legend layout
conundrums are decided by available space on the map.

Placement is where the legend itself is located on the map. Some places are better than others. Keep
in mind that the legend is not the main attraction--it is used to describe the main attraction. The size
should only be large enough to be legible for the reader. It is best to place the legend in an area of
open space on the map . For example, placing a legend over the Pacific Ocean, instead of over a
country or state, for a political map of the world would be a much cleaner view.

Q Write a short note on map dissemination?

Ans. The map design will not only be influenced by the nature of the data to be mapped or the
intended audience (the ‘what’ and ‘whom’ from “How do I say What to Whom, and is it Effective”),
the output medium also plays a role. Traditionally, maps were produced on paper, and many still are.
Currently, most maps are presented on screen, for a quick view, for an internal presentation or
for presentation on the WWW. Compared to maps on paper, onscreen maps have to be smaller, and
therefore their contents should be carefully selected. This might seem a disadvantage, but presenting
maps on-screen offers very interesting alternatives. In one of the previous paragraphs, we discussed
On-screen maps that the legend only needs to be a mouse click away. A mouse click could also open
 Tilak Education Society’s
S.K College of Science and Commerce, Nerul
Question Bank, TYIT
Subject: GIS
UNIT V

the link to a database, and reveal much more information than a paper map could ever offer. Links to
other than tabular or map data could also be made available.
Maps and multimedia (photography, sound, video, animation) can be integrated. Some of
today’s electronic atlases, such as the Encarta World Atlas are good examples of how multimedia
elements can be integrated with the map. Pointing Multimedia maps to a country on a world map
starts the national anthem of the country or shows its flag. It can be used to explore a country’s
language; moving the mouse would start a short sentence in the region’s dialects. The World Wide
Web is nowadays a common medium used to present and disseminate spatial data. Here, maps can
play their traditional role, for instance to show the location of objects, or provide insight into spatial
patterns, but because of the nature of the internet, the map can also function as an interface to
additional information. Geographic locations on the map can be linked to Maps as visual interfaces
photographs , text, sound or other maps, perhaps even functions such as on-line booking services.
Maps can also be used as ‘previews’ of spatial data products to be acquired through a spatial data
clearinghouse that is part of a Spatial Data Infrastructure.

Q Difference between static map and dynamic map?

Ans. static map:

This form Static maps of presentation can be very useful, for instance, to make
historical maps more widely accessible. Static, view-only maps can also serve to give web surfers a
preview of the products that are available from organizations, such as National Mapping Agencies.
When static maps offer more than view-only functionality, they may present an interactive view to the
user by offering zooming, panning, or hyperlinking to other information. The much-used ‘clickable
map’ is an example of the latterand is useful to serve as an interface to spatial data. Clicking on
geographic objects may lead the user to quantitative data, photographs, sound or video or other
information sources on the Web. The user may also interactively determine the contents of the map,
by choosing data layers, and even the visualization parameters, by choosing symbology and colours.
Dynamic map:
Dynamic maps are about Dynamic maps change; change in one or more of the spatial
data components. On the WWW, several options to play animations are available. The so-called
animated-GIF can be seen as a view-only version of a dynamic map. A sequence of bitmaps, each
representing a frame of an animation, are positioned one after another, and the WWW-browser will
continuously repeat the animation. This can be used, for example, to show the change of weather
over the last day