GIS Dictionary

[ESRI software] In geometric networks, a network feature that allows flow to pass through it.

[navigation] Acronym for electronic navigational chart. A vector data product used for nautical navigation. ENC data is produced by nautical charting agencies throughout the world and uses the IHO (International … Read more

[data transfer] A file describing the contents of an item included in metadata. Enclosing files in metadata works the same way as enclosing files in an e-mail message.

[data conversion] The recording or reformatting of data into a computer format. Data may be encoded to reduce storage, increase security, or to transfer it between systems using different file … Read more

[ESRI software] In linear referencing, a special type of hatch definition that draws hatch marks only at the low and high measure of a linear feature.

[ESRI software] An adjustable value that dictates how far away from the end of a line an address location should be placed. Using an end offset prevents the point from … Read more

[network analysis] In network datasets, a type of edge connectivity policy that states that an edge may only connect to another edge at its endpoints.

[remote sensing] In remote sensing, applying operations to raster data to improve appearance or usability by making specific features more detectable. Such operations can include contrast stretching, edge enhancement, filtering, … Read more

[organizational issues] A geographic information system that is integrated through an entire organization so that a large number of users can manage, share, and use spatial data and related information … Read more

[non-ESRI software] The server-side component architecture for the J2EE platform. EJB enables development of distributed, transactional, secure, and portable Java applications.

The rectangle surrounding one or more geographical features in coordinate space, determined by the minimum and maximum coordinates in the x and y directions, as well as the ranges of … Read more

[ESRI software] Settings that can apply to all tools within the application, all tools within a model or script, or a particular process within a model or script. Environment settings … Read more

[computing] A variable maintained by the operating system and shared among programs. Environment variables function as placeholders for environment information, such as a drive, path or file name.

An abstract representation of a complex environmental process, emphasizing relationships and patterns in natural systems. Environmental models allow decision makers to better understand the effects of natural systems or the … Read more