Discussion Questions

1. Just as you shouldn't believe everything you read, you shouldn't believe all of the maps you see.  Why?
2. What are some of the advantages of GIS maps over paper maps?
3. A GIS can be used effectively to visualize both continuous and discrete variation.  Explain.
4. The classifications used in mapping are often subjective.  Explain.
5. MacEachren lists ten graphic modifications of point, line, and area symbols for cartographic communication.  Explain three and describe how they can be used.
6. Explain how different choices of spatial object types and attribute data measurement levels can be used to create different types of maps.  Give two examples of different object type/ attribute measurement level combinations.
7. What are some of the challenges to the seemingly simple task of representing nominal data by graphics symbolizing point objects.
8. How are splines used to display text on lines?
9. Explain the four basic interval-ratio level data classification schemes.
10. What is a cartogram?
11. Compare the characteristics that the linear cartogram of the London Underground and the hexagonal areal cartogram of UK political parties emphasize?
12. What is scientific visualization?
13. Explain the three principal purposes of visualization.
14. What are some recent advances in computer technology that have helped visualization?
15. What is dasymetric mapping?
16. What is AM/FM and what are its objectives?

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