Esri ArcGIS Pro Foundation Certification Practice Test

Which type of feature can be represented as continuous data?

1. Land use

2. Hydrography

3. Ocean depth

4. Soil type

The correct answer is: Ocean depth

Continuous data refers to information that can take any value within a given range and is often represented in a smooth, uninterrupted way. In the context of geographic features, this includes measurements that change gradually rather than in discrete steps. Ocean depth is a prime example of continuous data because it can vary at any point within a body of water, presenting a smooth gradient from shallow to deep areas. This variable depth can be measured in precise units, making it suitable to be represented in a continuous fashion, such as through contour lines on a map or a 3D model. Other options represent discrete data or categorize features rather than provide continuous measurements. For instance, land use classifies areas into categories (residential, commercial, agricultural, etc.), while hydrography refers to the study of water bodies but typically does not change continuously in a way that can be measured at all points. Soil type categorizes land based on specific characteristics, which again represents distinct classes rather than a range of continuous values. Thus, ocean depth clearly aligns with the concept of continuous data, making it the correct choice.