So far, we have learned why geographic data are unique, how information differs from data, and how various forms of geographic information can be represented in computers and communicated to human beings. Let us now consider the types of questions we can ask, now that we are equipped with this knowledge.
Such questions include:
Simple questions like these can be answered effectively with a good printed map, of course. However, GIS becomes increasingly attractive as the number of people asking the questions and the required level of precision grows, especially if they lack access to the required paper maps.
Notice that all of these questions deal with where things are, how things relate to other things, and how things change or persist relative to these locations. These are the kinds of questions that GIScience and professionals in the geospatial industry are prepared to answer.
Registered Penn State students should return now take the self-assessment quiz about Geographic Questions and Properties.
You may take practice quizzes as many times as you wish. They are not scored and do not affect your grade in any way.