GIS Glossary

Attribute Data
Attribute Data refers to the descriptive information associated with spatial data. Attributes can include quantitative or qualitative characteristics, such as names, types, or numerical values,…
Buffer
A Buffer in GIS is an area that extends outward from a specified point, line, or polygon by a set distance. Buffers are used in…
Digital Elevation Models (DEMs)
What are Digital Elevation Models (DEMs)? Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) are raster datasets representing the Earth's surface elevation. They are essential for various applications, including…
Digital Surface Model (DSM)
A Digital Surface Model (DSM) captures the earth's surface and includes all objects on it like buildings and vegetation. DSMs are typically generated through remote…
Digital Terrain Model (DTM)
A Digital Terrain Model (DTM) is a digital representation of the bare ground surface without any objects like plants and buildings. DTMs are crucial for…
Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri)
Esri (Environmental Systems Research Institute) is a global leader in geographic information system (GIS) software and geodatabase management applications. Founded in 1969, Esri produces a…
Geocoding
Geocoding is the process of converting addresses into geographic coordinates to place them as points on a map. This enables GIS users to analyze patterns…
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are frameworks for gathering, managing, and analyzing data rooted in the science of geography. GIS integrates many types of data and…
Georeferencing
Georeferencing means aligning digital geographic data (such as satellite images or maps) to known geographic locations on the earth's surface. This process is critical for…
Geospatial Analysis
Geospatial Analysis involves evaluating geographic patterns to understand relationships in spatial data, such as distances, distributions, or trends. This analysis is fundamental in fields like…
Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)
What is LiDAR? Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is a remote sensing technology that uses laser light to measure distances and create high-resolution 3D models…
Line
A Line or polyline in GIS is formed by connecting a sequence of points with straight, non-branching segments. Lines are used to represent linear features…
Metadata
Metadata in GIS is data that describes other data, detailing the content, quality, origin, and structure of datasets. Metadata is essential for effective data management…
Overlay
An Overlay is a fundamental GIS operation that involves layering two or more maps of the same area to examine relationships between different datasets. This…
Point
In GIS, a Point represents a single, specific location on a map. Defined by a pair of geographic coordinates, points are used to display discrete…
Polygon
A Polygon in GIS is a shape defined by a closed line (boundary) that represents areas like lakes, forests, or administrative boundaries. Polygons can also…
Projection
A Projection is a method used in GIS to portray the curved surface of the earth on a flat map. Projections can distort distance, area,…
Raster
A Raster data type represents geographic data as a matrix of cells or pixels where each pixel holds a value representing information, such as temperature,…
Remote Sensing
Remote Sensing is the technique of acquiring information about objects or areas from a distance, typically from aircraft or satellites. In GIS, remote sensing is…
Shapefile (.shp)
A Shapefile is a popular digital file format used in GIS for storing geometric location and associated attribute information of geographic features. Consisting of a…
Spatial Data
Spatial Data describes the physical location and shape of geographic features and the relationships between them. This data is fundamental to GIS, enabling the visualization,…
Vector
In GIS, Vector data represents geographic features as points, lines, and polygons. Each vector feature is defined by its coordinates and can store data attributes…