Chapter 3 - Maps

Which of the following would most accurately show the true shape of a continent?

• an aerial map

• a globe

• an oblique view map

• There is no difference.

Answer explanation

A globe accurately represents the true shape of a continent because it is a three-dimensional model of the Earth, preserving proportions and distances, unlike maps which can distort shapes.

A person who creates maps is called a ________.

• geometer

• map analyst

• mapographer

• cartographer

Answer explanation

A person who creates maps is called a cartographer. This term specifically refers to individuals skilled in the art and science of map-making, distinguishing them from other roles like geometer or map analyst.

North, south, east, and west are known as the ________ directions.

• ordinal

• equatorial

• cardinal

• polar

Answer explanation

North, south, east, and west are known as cardinal directions. They represent the main points of a compass, distinguishing them from ordinal directions like northeast or southwest.

If you were standing at a point at 0° latitude, you would be standing on the ________.

• Equator

• North Pole

• South Pole

• Tropic of Cancer

Answer explanation

Standing at 0° latitude means you are on the Equator, which is the line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The North Pole and South Pole are at 90° latitude, and the Tropic of Cancer is at 23.5° N.

What is the highest possible number for a longitude reading?

• 45°

• 90°

• 180°

• 360°

Answer explanation

The highest possible longitude reading is 180°. Longitude measures the distance east or west of the Prime Meridian, and it ranges from 0° to 180° in both directions. Therefore, 180° is the maximum value.

The International Date Line passes through

• the Pacific Ocean.

• the Atlantic Ocean.

• the Artic Ocean.

• the Indian Ocean.

Answer explanation

The International Date Line is an imaginary line that runs primarily through the Pacific Ocean, marking the boundary where the date changes. Therefore, the correct answer is the Pacific Ocean.

The arrow on many maps points

• south.

• north.

• to the Prime Meridian.

• to the Equator.

Answer explanation

The arrow on many maps typically points north, indicating the direction of the North Pole. This is a standard convention used in cartography to help users orient themselves.

If you are in charge of creating the route for a new hiking trail through a mountainous region, you should start by using a ________ map.

• topographic

• thematic

• political

• scale

Answer explanation

A topographic map is essential for creating a hiking trail as it shows elevation changes, terrain features, and landforms, helping to identify the best route through mountainous regions.

A map of the United States that is shaded to show the ranges of the gray wolf and the red wolf would be considered a ________ map.

• thematic

• political

• geographic

• topographic

Answer explanation

A map showing the ranges of specific species, like the gray wolf and red wolf, focuses on a particular theme, making it a thematic map. Thematic maps display data related to a specific subject rather than general geography.

In the GIS map data for a city, railroad tracks would most likely be displayed using which data type?

• point

• line

• triangle

• square

Answer explanation

Railroad tracks are linear features that represent a continuous path, making the 'line' data type the most appropriate choice for their representation in GIS maps.