ENVI 133 Environmental Science

(1) What are the two most commonly used data models or data structures in digital representations of geographic or geospatial features? How are the geographic features in the real world represented in each of these models? and what are their respective advantages and disadvantages? (2-3 pages, 20%)

 

(2) Please provide a detailed explanation of each of the following key conceptsin cartography that all GIS users need to understand: (2-3 pages, 20%)

a. Geodetic Datum

b. Coordinate Systems

c. Map Projections

d. Map Scale, Map Precision and Accuracy

 

(3) What does each of our first five lab exercises/assignments cover? What key GIS concepts and ArcGIS functions are involved in understanding and completing each of these exercises/assignments? (2-3 pages, 20%)

 

(4) Please provide a detailed report on the term project for “Prioritizing Areas in Massachusetts for Environmental Conservation” (Exercises 9-12): the project focus or questions to be answered, the relevant variables considered, the detailed process for project design and implementation, the core ArcGIS functions used, the findings of the project and their implications, and possible improvements or enhancements if more time and resources are available. (2-3 pages, 20%)