This set of GIS Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Map Projections”.
1. When projected on to a flat map, objects on the earth’s surface are distorted in some way, either in size, shape or in relative location. What is this principle?
a) Map distortion
b) Map Projection
c) Map Creation
d) Map Generation
View Answer
Explanation: A map projection is the process of systematic transformation of the latitudes and longitudes of locations on the surface of a sphere or an ellipsoid into locations on a plane. Without map projections, maps cannot be created.
2. All map projections distort the surface in some way. True or False?
a) True
b) False
View Answer
Explanation: The process of transformation of three-dimensional space into a two dimensional map inevitably distorts at least one of the properties, namely, shape, area, distance or direction, and often more than one. Therefore, the scale factor will differ in different places on the map.
3. How many possible map projections are there?
a) 3
b) 4
c) 6
d) No limit
View Answer
Explanation: Depending on the purpose of the map, some distortions are acceptable and others are not. Different map projections exist in order to preserve some properties of the earth surface at the expense of other properties. There is no limit to the number of possible map projections.
4. The projections by which areas can be preserved are called:
a) Conformity Orthomorphic Projections
b) Equivalent Projections
c) Equidistance Projections
d) Azimuthal Map Projections
View Answer
Explanation: The projections by which areas can be preserved are called equal area or equivalent projections, the scale factor being equal to 1.0 mm. The projections by which the distances are preserved are known as equidistant projections.
5. What are the three factors involved to transfer the image of the earth and its irregularities on to the plane surface of a map?
a) coordinates, software, positions
b) geoid, ellipsoid, projection
c) sphere, base map, computer
d) coordinates, base map, locations
View Answer
Explanation: The geoid is a rendition of an irregular spheroidal shape. The variations in gravity are accounted for at this level. The observations made on the geoid are then transferred to a regular geometric reference surface, the ellipsoid. The geographical relationships of the ellipsoid, still in a three-dimensional form are transformed into two-dimensional plane of a map by a process called ‘map projection’ or simply projection.
6. A map can truly represent the surface of the entire earth. True or False?
a) True
b) False
View Answer
Explanation: No map can rival a globe in truly representing the surface of the entire earth. However, a map or parts of a map can show one or more, but never all-of the following: True shapes, true directions, true distances, true areas.
7. If we wrap a sheet of paper round the globe in the form of a cylinder, transfer the geographical features of the globe on to it, and then unroll the sheet and lay it on a flat surface, we would get a:
a) Cylindrical Map Projections
b) Azimuthal Map Projections
c) Conical Map Projections
d) Equidistant Map Projections
View Answer
Explanation: Cylindrical maps have rectangular shape and they can be rolled up and their edges mapped in a cylinder.
8. What is the combination of any two map projections?
a) Mixed Projection
b) Hybrid Projection
c) Perfect Projection
d) Intersecting Projection
View Answer
Explanation: A combination of any two of the cylindrical, azimuthal and conical projections forms a hybrid projection.
9. Which type of map projection is best suited for use as regional or hemispheric maps, but rarely for a complete world map?
a) Conical Map Projection
b) Azimuthal Map Projection
c) Cylindrical Map Projection
d) Equivalent Map Projection
View Answer
Explanation: The distortion in a conic map makes it inappropriate for use as a map of the entire Earth but it can be used for temperate regions, weather maps, climate projections, etc.
10. Which maps are beneficial for finding direction from any point on the Earth using the central point as a reference?
a) Conical Maps
b) Azimuthal Maps
c) Cylindrical Maps
d) Equivalent Maps
View Answer
Explanation: If a sheet of paper is laid tangent to a point on the globe and transfer the geographical features of the globe on to it, we would achieve azimuthal projections that appear as straight lines intersecting at the designated centre point, and parallels that appear as concentric circles round the centre point.
Sanfoundry Global Education & Learning Series – GIS.
To practice all areas of GIS, here is complete set of Multiple Choice Questions and Answers.
