GIS Glossary

Data that varies smoothly across a surface, such as elevation or temperature, requiring specialized spatial analysis techniques.

A line connecting points of equal elevation, used in terrain analysis and visualization.

A known geographic location used to align spatial datasets accurately, crucial for georeferencing and spatial accuracy.

A set of values (x, y, and sometimes z) that define a location in space, foundational for all spatial data analysis.

A reference framework used to define the positions of features in space, ensuring spatial data from different sources aligns correctly.

The process of converting spatial data between different coordinate systems, ensuring data compatibility.

A vector data model for storing geographic features and their attributes, often used in spatial analysis workflows.

A table storing attribute data for features in a coverage, supporting attribute-based spatial analysis.

A polygon feature within a coverage data model, representing area-based spatial entities.

Software used to store, retrieve, and manage spatial and attribute data, supporting complex spatial queries and analyses.

A raster dataset representing the earth’s surface elevation, widely used in terrain analysis and hydrological modelling.

A spatial reference system that partitions the globe into hierarchical cells for efficient spatial analysis and data management.

A digital vector data format used for representing features such as topography and hydrography, important for spatial analysis of physical landscapes.

Similar to DEM but includes the elevation of buildings, vegetation, and other objects above the ground, useful for urban and environmental analysis.

A refined DEM that incorporates key topographic features, enabling detailed surface analysis.

A visual interface that displays spatial data and analytics for real-time monitoring and decision-making.

A method for improving thematic mapping accuracy by using ancillary data to refine the spatial distribution of data values.

The fundamental building blocks in GIS, representing facts, figures, or spatial information ready for processing and analysis.

The degree to which spatial data correctly represents real-world features, crucial for reliable analysis.

Grouping spatial data into discrete cells or bins for statistical analysis and visualization.