Esri ArcGIS Pro Foundation Certification Practice Test

What method is most likely to be used in a nationwide census to place people's locations on a map?

1. Coordinates

2. City

3. Place-name

4. Address

The correct answer is: Address

The method most likely to be used in a nationwide census to place people's locations on a map is the use of addresses. In a census, addresses provide specific and detailed information about where individuals reside. They act as a unique identifier for each dwelling, allowing census workers to accurately collect data about populations, housing, and demographics. Using addresses ensures precision in location mapping; for instance, geographic information systems (GIS) can convert addresses into geographic coordinates through geocoding. This allows for effective analysis of population distributions and planning resources accordingly. While coordinates provide a numerical representation of locations, they may not be as intuitive in the context of a nationwide census where non-technical residents may not be familiar with coordinate systems. City and place-name methods also lack the specificity and granularity that addresses offer, as they cover broader areas without pinpointing exact locations. Thus, the use of addresses is essential for the comprehensive and detailed mapping required in a nationwide census.