GIS Dictionary

[map display] A stereo image made by superimposing two images of the same area. The images are displayed in complementary colors, usually red and blue or green. When viewed through … Read more

[graphics computing] An image represented by continuous variation in tone, such as a photograph.

[analysisgeoprocessing] A systematic examination of a problem or complex entity in order to provide new information from what is already known.

[spatial analysis] The geographic bounding area within which spatial analysis will occur. The bounding area is set by defining the x,y coordinates of opposite corners, usually the bottom-left and top-right … Read more

[statistics] A statistical procedure used to evaluate the variance of the mean values for two or more datasets in order to assess the probability that the data comes from the … Read more

[digital image processing] In digital image processing, data from sources other than remote sensing, used to assist in analysis and classification or to populate metadata.

[database structures] A supplementary source of information.

[geodesy] The unit of measurement on a sphere or a spheroid, usually degrees. Some map projection parameters, such as the central meridian and standard parallel, are defined in angular units.

[3D analysis] In ArcMap, ArcScene, and ArcGlobe, a collection of animation tracks that define the dynamic property changes to associated objects. An animation allows for navigation through the display, visualization … Read more

[3D analysis] In ArcMap, ArcScene, and ArcGlobe, the interface in which the keyframes, tracks and time-scale properties of an animation can be edited and an animation can be timed and … Read more

[modeling] Having nonuniform spatial distribution of movement or properties, usually across a surface.

[map design] In cartography, text or graphics on a map that provide information for the map reader. Annotation may identify or describe a specific map entity, provide general information about … Read more

[map design] A subset of annotation in a standard or feature-linked geodatabase annotation feature class that contains properties that determine how the subset of annotation will display. A standard or … Read more

[map design] One of a number of procedures that dictate what type of annotation feature is created and the number of points required to create new annotation features. Construction methods … Read more

[map design] A geodatabase feature class that stores text or graphics that provide information about features or general areas of a map (annotation). An annotation feature class may be linked … Read more

[map design] A container within a map document for organizing and managing text or graphics that provide additional information about features or general areas of a map. Annotation groups allow … Read more

[map design] A layer that references annotation. Information stored for annotation includes a text string, a position at which it can be displayed, and display characteristics.

[map design] In ArcMap, the annotation group or feature class in a map document where new annotation will be stored when created when using the New Text tools on the … Read more

Acronym for American National Standards Institute. The private, nonprofit organization that develops U.S. industry standards through consensus and public review.

[programming] An open-source, Java-based tool from the Apache Software Foundation that is used to manage the build procedure of applications.

[geodesy] Any point on the surface of a sphere that lies 180 degrees (opposite) from a given point on the same surface, so that a line drawn between the two … Read more

[network analysis] In network datasets, a type of edge connectivity policy that states that an edge may connect to another edge or junction where they have coincident vertices.

[GPS] A position that a GPS receiver can calculate without knowing its own location or the local time.