GRADE 12 – GIS QUESTIONS
1. Vector data is data that consists of points, lines and polygons.
Identify the following vector data.
1.1. A point feature related to altitude:
1.2. A line feature that creates accessibility
1.3. A polygon feature related to a primary activity.
1.4. Define the term attribute data.
1.5. Describes characteristics of a feature found at a specific place.
2. The Department of Tourism wants to promote tourist attraction.
Discuss TWO attributes that they could use to attract tourists.
3.1. Define the term remote sensing.
3.2. Explain how remote sensing could assist in monitoring the
environmental impact of tourists.
4. Explain the relevance of using vector data on the topographic map.
5. Is scale an example of attribute or spatial data?
6. Explain the relevance of scale when facing a geographical query/problem.
7. Refer to the topographic map and orthophoto map. The statistics below refer
To selected suburbs in Pietermaritzburg and the percentage (%) increase in
Crime levels from 2015 to 2016.
Housebreaking 18,6% 11,3% 23,4%
Car hijacking 100% 177,8% 36,4%
[Adapted from SAPS crime statistics 2015–16 by Theuns Kruger, Graphic 24]
8. Name ONE way in which the data above could have been collected.
8.1. Is the information in the table above primary data or secondary data?
8.2. Which type of crime has shown the highest percentage increase in these
suburbs?
8.3. Explain why it is important for the well-being of the community of
Pietermaritzburg to analyse these statistics
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9. The following is a freehand sketch map of the area covered by the topographic map
in blocks A 8, 9, 10 / B 8, 9, 10 and C 8, 9, 10.
10. Identify the features H, I and J in the sketch as either a point, line or polygon.
11. Give ONE advantage of using vector data.
12. The local district municipality has decided to do an environmental impact study to
evaluate the influence a rubbish dump would have on the area.
Mention ONE way in which data can be collected to do an environmental impact
study.
13. Identify TWO layers that a GIS specialist would use to evaluate the suitability of the
dump site.
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11. Provide a GIS concept for the following descriptions.
11.1. Data that can be linked to locations in geographical space, usually via
features on the map.
11.2. A question, especially if asked to a database by the user via database
management systems
11.3. A map designed to show a single spatial distribution pattern, using a
specific map type.
11.4. Characteristic of a feature that contains measurements of value for
feature and is displayed as columns in a table form.
11.5. The combination of two or more data layers to create a new one.
12. Name the type of vector data illustrated below:
(a) Dam wall:
(b) Cultivated land:
13. Explain TWO reasons why GIS specialists prefer using vector data on
topographic maps to raster data.
14. The GIS specialist decides to buffer the excavation so that water quality
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in the dam and river can be maintained.
(a) Define the term buffering
(b) Create a 100 m buffer around the excavation. Use the above extract to display
the buffer.
15. Which component of GIS is the orthophoto map?
16. During the 2008 floods, accessibility to the Oliphant’s River Valley was limited to
determine the extent of the damage. A GIS specialist used remote sensing to
access flooded areas along the Oliphant’s River Valley.
17. Define the term remote sensing.
18. State TWO reasons as to why the GIS specialist chose remote sensing.
19. The GIS specialist also found that farming had a negative impact on the Oliphant’s
20. Classify each of the following spatial objects, as a point, line or polygon (area).
(a) Non-perennial river / hiking trail: (line)
(b) Spot height: (point)
(c) Dam / cultivated lands: (polygon)
21. The diagram below illustrates the concept of data integration found in block on the
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topographic map. Study the diagram and answer the questions below:
22. Define the term data integration.
23. Mention ONE problem that was experienced with data integration as shown in the
diagram / figure prior to the introduction of GIS.
24. State TWO ways, in which data integration could have assisted the farmer in
making his farm at , economically viable.
25. Choose the correct answer from those given between brackets.
25.1. An aerial photograph uses (raster/vector) data.
25.2. A spot height on a topographic map represents data in the form of a
(polygon/point/line)
25.3. (Spatial/Spectral) resolution is the number of pixels used in digital image.
An orthophoto map that contains vector and raster data is an example of data
(integration/fragmentation).
26. What is a geographical database?
27. Evaluate the suitability of using satellite images in obtaining geographical
information in an event of the Orange River flooding the floodplain.
28. Explain the role of buffering in protecting the floodplain.
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29. Explain how GIS could assist the local authorities with planning after flooding in an
area.
30. Define the concept remote sensing.
31. Would an environmentalist use active or passive remote sensing
32. How would remote sensing assist environmentalists to evaluate the impact of the
Premier Diamond Mine on the natural environment?
33. Explain ONE measure that a mining company could use by implementing
GIS to limit the negative impact it has on the natural environment.
34. Define the term attribute data.
35. State TWO attributes of a river .
36. State ONE use of a river.
37. Data manipulation refers to data that is processed and converted into useful
information. A primary source/data is manipulated to create a secondary
source/data.
38. Is the orthophoto map an example of a primary or a secondary source
39. Give a reason for your answer.
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