Esri ArcGIS Pro Associate Pro Certification Practice Exam

Which attribute or feature type can be represented as continuous data?

1. Hydrography

2. Land use

3. Ocean depth

4. Soil type

The correct answer is: Ocean depth

Continuous data refers to data that can take any value within a range and is often represented in a smooth gradient rather than in distinct categories. Ocean depth fits this definition because it can vary continuously at different points in the ocean. Depth measurements can be recorded at any given location and can take on a wide range of values, creating a continuous surface that can be visualized in various ways, such as through contour lines or elevation models. In contrast, the other options represent discrete or categorical data. Hydrography typically involves features that can be distinctly classified, such as rivers, lakes, and streams, which do not change continuously in their classification. Land use is also categorical, as it divides areas into distinct categories, like residential, commercial, and agricultural use, which do not present a continuous spectrum. Similarly, soil type is classified into specific categories based on texture, structure, and composition and does not exist in a continuous form. Thus, ocean depth is aptly characterized as continuous data, reflecting the smooth variation in depth across different locations in the ocean.