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Open Location Code Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Open Location Codes (Plus Codes): Principles, Precision, and Applications

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Open Location Codes (Plus Codes): Principles, Precision, and Applications Study Guide

Introduction to Open Location Codes (Plus Codes)

The Open Location Code (OLC) system was developed at Google's London engineering office.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source material indicates that the Open Location Code (OLC) system was developed at Google's Zurich engineering office, not its London office.

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What is the primary purpose of the Open Location Code (OLC) system?

Answer: To provide a geocode system based on a grid for identifying any area on Earth.

Explanation: The primary objective of the Open Location Code (OLC) system is to establish a universal geocode system utilizing a grid structure to identify any location on Earth, offering a more user-friendly alternative to traditional coordinates.

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Which of the following is the common name for the location codes generated by the Open Location Code system?

Answer: Plus Codes

Explanation: The location codes generated by the Open Location Code (OLC) system are commonly known and referred to as Plus Codes.

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What is the purpose of the 'Navbox' section titled 'Geocode systems' mentioned in the context?

Answer: To provide a list of different geocoding systems for navigation.

Explanation: The 'Navbox' section titled 'Geocode systems' functions as a navigational resource, presenting a categorized compilation of diverse geocoding systems for reference.

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Technical Foundation and Encoding

The Plus Code character set includes all vowels (A, E, I, O, U) to make codes more memorable.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Plus Code character set explicitly excludes vowels (A, E, I, O, U) and other easily confused characters to prevent accidental word formation and reduce ambiguity.

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The Open Location Code system is based on the WGS72 coordinate system.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Open Location Code system is founded upon the WGS84 (World Geodetic System 1984) coordinate standard, not WGS72.

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The OLC system initially divides the Earth into large blocks of 10 by 10 degrees before further subdivision.

Answer: False

Explanation: The initial division of the Earth's surface within the OLC system utilizes large blocks of 20 by 20 degrees, not 10 by 10 degrees.

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The Plus Code system avoids easily confused characters like 'I', 'L', '0', 'O' to reduce errors.

Answer: True

Explanation: To mitigate errors, the Plus Code character set deliberately excludes characters that are easily confused, such as 'I', 'L', '0', and 'O', alongside vowels.

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Plus Codes utilize a base-10 encoding system, similar to standard decimal numbers.

Answer: False

Explanation: Plus Codes employ a base-20 encoding system, not a base-10 system similar to standard decimal numbers.

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The OLC system uses offsets from the North Pole and the Prime Meridian for its base-20 encoding.

Answer: False

Explanation: The OLC system utilizes offsets from the South Pole and the antimeridian for its base-20 encoding, not from the North Pole and the Prime Meridian.

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The character mapping table is used to convert between standard base-10 digits and the specific alphanumeric characters used in Plus Codes.

Answer: True

Explanation: The character mapping table is indeed instrumental in translating between the numerical base-20 digits (0-19) and their corresponding alphanumeric characters employed in Plus Codes, facilitating both encoding and decoding processes.

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After the initial four stages of 20x20 subdivision, the OLC system switches to a 5x4 grid for further subdivision.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following the initial four stages of 20x20 subdivision, the OLC system transitions to a 4x5 grid for subsequent subdivisions, not a 5x4 grid.

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The 'BASE20 Formula' is a method for converting Plus Codes back into degrees of latitude and longitude.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'BASE20 Formula' is utilized for deriving Plus Codes from geographical degrees, not for converting Plus Codes back into latitude and longitude.

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The first two characters of a Plus Code, like '6P', represent the initial 20x20 degree grid block.

Answer: True

Explanation: The initial two characters of a Plus Code, such as '6P', indeed denote the first 20°x20° grid block, derived from the latitude and longitude offsets.

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Plus Codes are case-sensitive, making them easier to exchange verbally.

Answer: False

Explanation: Plus Codes are intentionally designed to be case-insensitive, which enhances their usability for verbal exchange by eliminating the need to distinguish between uppercase and lowercase letters.

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The OLC system prevents generated codes from forming words by including a wide range of special characters.

Answer: False

Explanation: The OLC system prevents word formation by excluding vowels and easily confused characters from its character set, not by including a wide range of special characters.

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Why does the Plus Code character set exclude vowels?

Answer: To prevent codes from accidentally spelling out words and reduce confusion.

Explanation: Vowels are excluded from the Plus Code character set as a deliberate strategy to prevent the accidental formation of words and to minimize confusion.

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The Open Location Code system is based on which standard coordinate system?

Answer: WGS84

Explanation: The Open Location Code system is fundamentally based on the WGS84 (World Geodetic System 1984) standard for its latitude and longitude coordinates.

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How does the OLC system initially divide the Earth's surface?

Answer: Into 20x20 degree blocks, then subdivided.

Explanation: The OLC system initiates the division of the Earth's surface into large blocks measuring 20 by 20 degrees, which are subsequently subdivided.

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How does the Plus Code system reduce the chance of codes accidentally forming words?

Answer: By excluding vowels and easily confused characters.

Explanation: The Plus Code system mitigates the formation of accidental words by excluding vowels and characters prone to confusion from its character set.

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What base system is used for encoding Plus Codes?

Answer: Base-20

Explanation: The encoding system employed by Plus Codes is base-20.

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The OLC system uses offsets from which two reference points for its base-20 encoding?

Answer: South Pole and Antimeridian

Explanation: The OLC system employs offsets from the South Pole and the antimeridian as reference points for its base-20 encoding.

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How does the OLC system ensure that codes for nearby locations share similarities?

Answer: By employing a hierarchical grid structure.

Explanation: The OLC system ensures that codes for nearby locations share similarities by utilizing a hierarchical grid structure, resulting in common prefixes for geographically proximate coordinates, reflecting their spatial relationship.

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How does the OLC system handle coordinates near the antimeridian (-180° longitude)?

Answer: It uses offsets from the antimeridian for encoding.

Explanation: Coordinates near the antimeridian are handled by the OLC system through the use of offsets from this reference line during the encoding process.

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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the Plus Code character set mentioned in the source?

Answer: Is case-sensitive.

Explanation: The Plus Code character set excludes vowels and easily confused characters, and uses a base-20 system; however, it is explicitly not case-sensitive.

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What is the functional difference between a 'Base 20 digit' and a 'Code digit' in the mapping table?

Answer: The Base 20 digit is the numerical value (0-19), while the Code digit is the corresponding alphanumeric character used in the Plus Code.

Explanation: The 'Base 20 digit' denotes the numerical value (0-19) within the base-20 system, whereas the 'Code digit' represents the specific alphanumeric character assigned to that numerical value in the Plus Code, such as 'A' corresponding to the base-20 digit '10'.

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Precision and Code Structure

The '+' symbol in a Plus Code separates the locality name from the specific grid coordinates.

Answer: False

Explanation: The '+' symbol in a Plus Code functions as a delimiter, separating the main code segment (defining a larger area) from the finer grid divisions, rather than separating a locality name from coordinates.

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Each additional character added to a Plus Code increases its location precision.

Answer: True

Explanation: The length of a Plus Code directly correlates with its precision; each additional character appended refines the location to a progressively smaller area.

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A 6-digit Plus Code represents an area roughly the size of a large city block.

Answer: False

Explanation: A 6-digit Plus Code corresponds to an area of approximately 5.6 square kilometers, which is considerably larger than a typical city block.

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An 8-digit Plus Code provides a precision of approximately 280 millimeters.

Answer: False

Explanation: An 8-digit Plus Code offers a precision of approximately 280 meters, not millimeters. This level of accuracy is suitable for identifying specific buildings or small areas within a city block.

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A 10-digit Plus Code narrows down the location to an area of approximately 14 meters.

Answer: True

Explanation: A 10-digit Plus Code indeed narrows the location identification to an area of approximately 14 meters, suitable for pinpointing specific entrances or small land plots.

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An 11-digit Plus Code offers precision down to the scale of square centimeters.

Answer: False

Explanation: An 11-digit Plus Code provides precision to approximately 3.5 meters by 2.8 meters, which is more akin to the scale of a doorway or specific spot, not square centimeters.

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The smallest grid size mentioned for Plus Codes is a 15-digit code, representing an area of about 14 millimeters by 4 millimeters.

Answer: True

Explanation: The specification details a 15-digit Plus Code as providing the highest precision, defining an area of approximately 14 millimeters by 4 millimeters, suitable for identifying very small objects.

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A 12-digit Plus Code provides precision sufficient to pinpoint specific points like a particular statue.

Answer: True

Explanation: A 12-digit Plus Code offers a precision of approximately 87 centimeters, which is indeed sufficient to pinpoint specific points such as a particular statue or landmark.

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The OLC system accommodates areas larger than an 8-digit code by adding more characters after the '+'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The OLC system accommodates larger areas by padding with zeros before the '+' symbol, rather than by adding more characters after it.

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The 'Real size' row in the table shows the angular dimensions (degrees, minutes) of the grid blocks.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Real size' row in the table provides the physical dimensions (in kilometers, meters, etc.) of the grid blocks, translating the angular measurements into practical, real-world scales.

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A 15-digit Plus Code provides precision down to the scale of small objects, approximately 14mm x 4mm.

Answer: True

Explanation: A 15-digit Plus Code indeed provides the highest level of precision detailed, defining an area of approximately 14mm x 4mm, suitable for identifying small objects.

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What is the function of the '+' symbol in a Plus Code like 6PH57VP3+PR6?

Answer: It acts as a delimiter, separating the main part of the code from finer grid divisions.

Explanation: The '+' symbol in a Plus Code serves as a delimiter, demarcating the primary code segment (representing a larger area) from the subsequent characters that denote finer grid divisions.

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What is the approximate area represented by a 6-digit Plus Code?

Answer: Approximately 5.6 square kilometers

Explanation: A 6-digit Plus Code encompasses an area of approximately 5.6 square kilometers, typically sufficient for identifying a neighborhood or city district.

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An 8-digit Plus Code provides a location precision of roughly:

Answer: 280 meters

Explanation: An 8-digit Plus Code offers a location precision of approximately 280 meters, adequate for identifying specific buildings or small areas.

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Which Plus Code length offers precision suitable for identifying specific entrances or small plots of land?

Answer: 10-digit

Explanation: A 10-digit Plus Code provides precision to approximately 14 meters, making it suitable for identifying specific entrances or small plots of land.

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What is the precision of an 11-digit Plus Code?

Answer: Approximately 3.5m x 2.8m

Explanation: An 11-digit Plus Code provides a precision of approximately 3.5 meters by 2.8 meters, sufficient for identifying specific points like a doorway.

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The highest level of precision mentioned for Plus Codes, approximately 14mm x 4mm, corresponds to which code length?

Answer: 15-digit

Explanation: The highest precision detailed, approximately 14mm x 4mm, corresponds to a 15-digit Plus Code.

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A 12-digit Plus Code provides precision down to approximately what measurement?

Answer: 87 centimeters

Explanation: A 12-digit Plus Code offers precision down to approximately 87 centimeters.

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How does the precision of a Plus Code change as more digits are added?

Answer: Precision increases significantly with more digits.

Explanation: As more digits are appended to a Plus Code, its location precision increases substantially, refining the identification to progressively smaller geographical areas.

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What is the approximate precision of a 14-digit Plus Code?

Answer: 5 centimeters

Explanation: A 14-digit Plus Code offers an approximate precision of 5 centimeters.

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Applications and Advantages

Plus Codes are designed to be less user-friendly than standard latitude and longitude coordinates.

Answer: False

Explanation: The premise is incorrect; Plus Codes are intentionally designed to be more user-friendly than standard latitude and longitude coordinates, offering advantages such as shorter codes and offline encoding/decoding capabilities.

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Google Maps began supporting Plus Codes in its search engine in August 2015.

Answer: True

Explanation: The integration of Plus Codes into Google Maps' search engine commenced in August 2015, as documented in the provided materials.

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Plus Codes are primarily useful in densely populated urban areas with well-established street naming conventions.

Answer: False

Explanation: Plus Codes are most beneficial in areas lacking formal addressing systems, such as those with unnamed streets or informal settlements, rather than in densely populated urban areas with established conventions.

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The nonprofit Shelter Associates used Plus Codes to manage immunization programs in Somalia.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source indicates that Shelter Associates utilized Plus Codes in Pune, India, for service delivery within a slum. The International Rescue Committee, not Shelter Associates, uses Plus Codes for immunization programs in Somalia.

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Shortened Plus Codes are always unambiguous, even without a specified locality.

Answer: False

Explanation: Shortened Plus Codes are not always unambiguous; they necessitate a specified locality context for precise decoding and typically require disambiguation within a radius of approximately 40 kilometers.

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The International Rescue Committee uses Plus Codes in Somalia for managing immunization programs.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that the International Rescue Committee utilizes Plus Codes in Somalia for the management of immunization and family planning programs.

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Compared to traditional geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude), what is a key advantage of Plus Codes?

Answer: They are designed to be more user-friendly and function like street addresses.

Explanation: A primary advantage of Plus Codes over traditional geographic coordinates is their enhanced user-friendliness, enabling them to function analogously to street addresses and be easily shortened when paired with a locality.

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When did Google Maps begin integrating support for Plus Codes?

Answer: August 2015

Explanation: Google Maps commenced its integration of support for Plus Codes within its search engine in August 2015.

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In which type of area are Plus Codes particularly beneficial?

Answer: Areas lacking formal addressing systems, like unnamed streets or slums.

Explanation: Plus Codes are particularly beneficial in regions lacking formal addressing systems, such as areas with unnamed streets or informal settlements.

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Which organization used Plus Codes to help deliver services within a slum in Pune, India?

Answer: Shelter Associates

Explanation: The nonprofit organization Shelter Associates utilized Plus Codes to facilitate service delivery within a slum area in Pune, India.

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What is a significant limitation of using shortened Plus Codes?

Answer: They require a specific locality context for accurate decoding.

Explanation: A significant limitation of shortened Plus Codes is their dependence on a specific locality context for unambiguous and precise decoding.

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What is the primary advantage of Plus Codes over traditional addresses in certain areas?

Answer: They are easier to use in areas lacking formal street names and numbers.

Explanation: The primary advantage of Plus Codes over traditional addresses in certain regions lies in their ease of use within areas that lack formal street names and numbering systems.

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Development and Licensing

The algorithm for Open Location Codes is available under which license?

Answer: Apache License 2.0

Explanation: The algorithm underpinning Open Location Codes is made available under the terms of the Apache License 2.0.

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