2016 QUARTER 02

A B C D E F G H I K L M N O P R S T U V W

Evaluate the thematic accuracy of a given soils map
Explain how U.S. Geological Survey scientists and contractors assess the accuracy of the National Land Cover Dataset

Illustrate the quadtree model
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the quadtree model for geographic database representation and modeling
Describe alternatives to quadtrees for representing hierarchical tessellations (e.g., hextrees, rtrees, pyramids)
Explain how quadtrees and other hierarchical tessellations can be used to index large volumes of raster or vector data
Implement a format for encoding quadtrees in a data file

Describe how the power increase in desktop computing has expanded the analytic methods that can be used for GIS&T
Exemplify how the power increase in desktop computing has expanded the analytic methods that can be used for GIS&T

Discuss the perspectives of Brian Harley and others on the political motivation for the development of certain kinds of maps
Discuss the Swiss influence on map design and production, highlighting Imhof’s contributions
Outline the development of some of the major map projections (e.g., Mercator, Gnomonic, Robinson)
Explain how Bertin has influenced trends in cartographic symbolization
Explain how technological changes have affected cartographic design and production
Explain the impact of advances in visualization methods on the evolution of cartography
Compare and contrast cartographic developments in various countries and world regions such as Switzerland, France, China, the Middle East, and Greece
Discuss the influence of some cartographers of the 16th and 17th centuries (Mercator, Ortelius, Jansson, Homann and others)
Describe how compilation, production, and distribution methods used in map-making have evolved
Describe how symbolization methods used in map-making have evolved
Describe the contributions by Robinson, Jenks, Raisz, and others to U.S. academic cartography
Discuss the relationship between the history of exploration and the development of a more accurate map of the world

Describe how scientists’ understanding of the Earth’s shape has evolved throughout history
Describe the contributions of key individuals (e.g., Eratosthenes, Newton, Picard, Bouguer, LaPlace, La Candamine) to scientists’ understanding of the Earth’s shape
Explain how technological and mathematical advances have led to more sophisticated knowledge about the Earth’s shape
Describe and critique early efforts to measure the Earth’s size and shape

Discuss appropriate applications of the various datum transformation options
Explain the difference between NAD 27 and NAD 83 in terms of ellipsoid parameters
Outline the historical development of horizontal datums
Explain the difference in coordinate specifications for the same position when referenced to NAD 27 and NAD 83
Explain the rationale for updating NAD 27 to NAD 83
Explain why all GPS data are originally referenced to the WGS 84 datum
Identify which datum transformation options are available and unavailable in a GIS software package
Define “horizontal datum” in terms of the relationship between a coordinate system and an approximation of the Earth’s surface
Describe the limitations of a Molodenski transformation and in what circumstances a higher parameter transformation such as Helmert may be appropriate
Determine the impact of a datum transformation from NAD 27 to NAD 83 for a given location using a conversion routine maintained by the U.S. National Geodetic Survey
Explain the methodology employed by the U.S. National Geodetic Survey to transform control points from NAD 27 to NAD 83
Perform a Molodenski transformation manually
Use GIS software to perform a datum transformation

Identify the sequence of operations and statistical/mathematical methods (a procedure) appropriate for a particular application (e.g., multi-criteria evaluation for site suitability)
Implement a pre-defined procedure for a sample dataset
Develop a planned analytical procedure to solve a new unstructured problem (e.g., long-term business strategy)
Critique the necessity of the operations used in a pre-defined procedure for a particular application (e.g., suitability analysis)

Describe a scenario in which possible errors in a map may impact subsequent decision making, such as a land use decision based on a soils map
Evaluate the uncertainty inherent in a map
Compare the decisions made using a map with a reliability overlay from those made using a map pair separating data and reliability, both drawn from the same dataset
Critique the assumption that maps can or should be “accurate”

Compare and contrast the impacts of different conversion approaches, including the effect on spatial components
Create a flowchart showing the sequence of transformations on a data set (e.g., geometric and radiometric correction and mosaicking of remotely sensed data)
Prioritize a set of algorithms designed to perform transformations based on the need to maintain data integrity (e.g., converting a digital elevation model into a TIN)

Discuss the importance of planning for implementation as opposed to “winging it”
Discuss pros and cons of different implementation strategies (e.g., spiral development versus waterfall development) given the needs of a particular system
Create a budget for the resources needed to implement the system
Create a schedule for the implementation of a geospatial system based on a complete design

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