GIS Glossary

The process of quantifying spatial properties such as distance, area, or volume, foundational for spatial analysis (inferred from standard GIS usage).

A line of longitude running from the North Pole to the South Pole, fundamental for geographic coordinate systems.

Information describing the origin, accuracy, date, coordinate system, and other attributes of a spatial dataset; essential for data management and analysis.

The smallest rectangle that completely contains a spatial feature or set of features, used in spatial queries and analysis (inferred from standard GIS usage).

A representation or simulation of real-world processes using spatial data, often used in predictive spatial analysis (inferred from standard GIS usage).

The process of combining multiple raster images (such as aerial photos or satellite images) into a single, seamless dataset (inferred from standard GIS usage).

A raster dataset with multiple layers (bands), each representing different wavelengths or data types, used in remote sensing and image analysis (inferred from standard GIS usage).

A single spatial feature composed of multiple discrete geometries, such as an archipelago represented as one polygon (inferred from standard GIS usage).

A widely used geodetic datum for spatial referencing in North America, ensuring spatial data aligns correctly (inferred from standard GIS usage).

A spatial analysis technique that examines the characteristics or relationships of a cell or feature in relation to its surrounding cells or features, often used in raster analysis (inferred from standard GIS usage).

The process of examining the connectivity and flow within spatial networks (e.g., roads, rivers, utilities), used for routing, service area analysis, and optimizing spatial movement (inferred from standard GIS usage).

A GIS data structure that models the connectivity of linear features (such as streets or pipelines) for advanced network analysis (inferred from standard GIS usage).

A special value in raster datasets representing the absence of data or insufficient information for a location. It is distinct from zero, which is a valid value.

A point at which two or more lines (arcs) connect in a spatial network, fundamental for network analysis such as transportation or utility modelling.

A measurement scale used for categorizing spatial features without implying order or magnitude (e.g., land use types, soil classes).

The process of adjusting values measured on different scales to a common scale, often used in spatial statistics to compare data meaningfully (inferred from standard GIS usage).

A map element that graphically indicates the direction of north, ensuring correct map orientation and interpretation.

An international organization that develops and promotes open standards for geospatial content and services, ensuring interoperability between GIS systems and data formats.

In GIS, a spatial feature (point, line, or polygon) with associated attributes, often used synonymously with “feature”.

A method of analysing remotely sensed imagery by grouping pixels into meaningful objects, rather than treating each pixel individually. This approach improves classification accuracy and is widely used in land cover mapping.