GISP Test Questions & Answers
2024/2025
Data exploration - ANSWERSData-centered query and analysis
Dynamic Segmentations - ANSWERSA data model that allows the use of linearly measured data on a
coordinate system
Georelational data model - ANSWERSA vector data model that uses a split system to store geometries
and attributes
GeoSpatial data - ANSWERSData that describes both the locations and characteristics of spatial features
on the earth surface
Object-based data model - ANSWERSA data model that uses objects to organize spatial data and stores
geometries and attributes in a single system
Raster data model - ANSWERSA data model that uses a grid and cells to represent the spatial variation of
a feature
Relational Database - ANSWERSA collection of tables in which tables are connected to one another by
keys
Topology - ANSWERSA subfield of mathematics that when applied to GIS, ensures that the spatial
relationships between features are expressed explicitly
Triangulated irregular network (TIN) - ANSWERSComposite vector data that approximate the terrain with
a set of nonoverlapping triangles
,Vector data model - ANSWERSA spatial data model that uses points and their x y coordinates to
construct spatial features of points, lines and polygons
Azimuthal Projection - ANSWERSOne type of map projection that retains certain accurate directions.
Azimuthal also refers to one type of map projection that uses a plane as the projection surface
Central lines - ANSWERSThe central parallel and the central meridian. Together, they define the center or
the origin of a map projection
Clarke 1866 - ANSWERSA ground-measured ellipsoid, which is the basis for the North American Datum of
1927 (NAD27)
Conformal projection - ANSWERSOne type of map projection that preserves local shapes
Conic Projection - ANSWERSOne type of map projection that uses a cone as the projection surface
Cylindrical Projection - ANSWERSOne type of map projection that uses a cylinder as the projection
surface
Datum - ANSWERSThe basis for calculating the geographic coordinates of a location. An ellipsoid is a
required input to the derivation of a datum
Datum shift - ANSWERSA change from one datum to another, such as from NAD27 to NAD83, which can
result in substantial horizontal shifts of point positions
Decimal degrees (DD) system - ANSWERSA measurement system for long and lat values such as 42.5
Degrees minutes seconds - ANSWERSA measurement system for long and lat values such as 42 30' 00",
in which 1 degree equals 60 minutes and 1 minute equals 60 seconds
Ellipsoid - ANSWERSA model that approximates the earth, ALSO called spheroid
, Equidistant projection - ANSWERSOne type of map projection that represents areas in correct relative
size
False easting - ANSWERSA value applied to the origin of a coordinate system to change the x-coordinate
readings
False northing - ANSWERSA value applied to the origin of a coordinate system to change the x-coordinate
readings
Geographic Coordinate data base (GCDB) - ANSWERSA Database developed by the US bro of Land
Managment (BLM) to include long and lat values and other descriptive information for section corners
and monuments recorded in the PLSS
Geographic Coordinate System - ANSWERSA location reference system for spatial features on the Earths
surface
GRS80 - ANSWERSA satellite-determined ellipsoid for the Geodetic Reference System
Lambert Conformal conic projection - ANSWERSA common map projection, which is the basis for the SPC
system for many states
Latitude - ANSWERSThe angle north or south of the equatorial plane
Longitude - ANSWERSThe angle east or west from the prime meridian
Map Projection - ANSWERSA systematic arrangement of parallels and meridians on a plane surface
Meridians - ANSWERSLines of longitude that measure locations in the E-W direction on the geographic
coordinate system
NAD27 - ANSWERSNorth American Datum of 1927 which is based on the clarke 1866 ellipsoid
2024/2025
Data exploration - ANSWERSData-centered query and analysis
Dynamic Segmentations - ANSWERSA data model that allows the use of linearly measured data on a
coordinate system
Georelational data model - ANSWERSA vector data model that uses a split system to store geometries
and attributes
GeoSpatial data - ANSWERSData that describes both the locations and characteristics of spatial features
on the earth surface
Object-based data model - ANSWERSA data model that uses objects to organize spatial data and stores
geometries and attributes in a single system
Raster data model - ANSWERSA data model that uses a grid and cells to represent the spatial variation of
a feature
Relational Database - ANSWERSA collection of tables in which tables are connected to one another by
keys
Topology - ANSWERSA subfield of mathematics that when applied to GIS, ensures that the spatial
relationships between features are expressed explicitly
Triangulated irregular network (TIN) - ANSWERSComposite vector data that approximate the terrain with
a set of nonoverlapping triangles
,Vector data model - ANSWERSA spatial data model that uses points and their x y coordinates to
construct spatial features of points, lines and polygons
Azimuthal Projection - ANSWERSOne type of map projection that retains certain accurate directions.
Azimuthal also refers to one type of map projection that uses a plane as the projection surface
Central lines - ANSWERSThe central parallel and the central meridian. Together, they define the center or
the origin of a map projection
Clarke 1866 - ANSWERSA ground-measured ellipsoid, which is the basis for the North American Datum of
1927 (NAD27)
Conformal projection - ANSWERSOne type of map projection that preserves local shapes
Conic Projection - ANSWERSOne type of map projection that uses a cone as the projection surface
Cylindrical Projection - ANSWERSOne type of map projection that uses a cylinder as the projection
surface
Datum - ANSWERSThe basis for calculating the geographic coordinates of a location. An ellipsoid is a
required input to the derivation of a datum
Datum shift - ANSWERSA change from one datum to another, such as from NAD27 to NAD83, which can
result in substantial horizontal shifts of point positions
Decimal degrees (DD) system - ANSWERSA measurement system for long and lat values such as 42.5
Degrees minutes seconds - ANSWERSA measurement system for long and lat values such as 42 30' 00",
in which 1 degree equals 60 minutes and 1 minute equals 60 seconds
Ellipsoid - ANSWERSA model that approximates the earth, ALSO called spheroid
, Equidistant projection - ANSWERSOne type of map projection that represents areas in correct relative
size
False easting - ANSWERSA value applied to the origin of a coordinate system to change the x-coordinate
readings
False northing - ANSWERSA value applied to the origin of a coordinate system to change the x-coordinate
readings
Geographic Coordinate data base (GCDB) - ANSWERSA Database developed by the US bro of Land
Managment (BLM) to include long and lat values and other descriptive information for section corners
and monuments recorded in the PLSS
Geographic Coordinate System - ANSWERSA location reference system for spatial features on the Earths
surface
GRS80 - ANSWERSA satellite-determined ellipsoid for the Geodetic Reference System
Lambert Conformal conic projection - ANSWERSA common map projection, which is the basis for the SPC
system for many states
Latitude - ANSWERSThe angle north or south of the equatorial plane
Longitude - ANSWERSThe angle east or west from the prime meridian
Map Projection - ANSWERSA systematic arrangement of parallels and meridians on a plane surface
Meridians - ANSWERSLines of longitude that measure locations in the E-W direction on the geographic
coordinate system
NAD27 - ANSWERSNorth American Datum of 1927 which is based on the clarke 1866 ellipsoid
