GIS Dictionary

1 [data models] In GIS, a digital representation of a spatial or nonspatial entity. Objects usually belong to a class of objects with common attribute values and behaviors. 2 [programming] … Read more

1 [ESRI software] In a geodatabase, a collection of nonspatial data of the same type or class. While spatial objects (features) are stored in feature classes in a geodatabase, nonspatial … Read more

[programming] A graphical representation of the types in a library and their relationships.

[programming] The process of precreating a collection of instances of classes, such that the instances can be shared between multiple application sessions at the request level. Pooling objects allows the … Read more

[cognition] A philosophical view of geographic space in which space is seen as empty except where occupied by objects. In this view, every spatial location is either something (an object) … Read more

[database structures] A data management structure that stores data as objects (instances of a class) instead of as rows and tables as in a relational database.

[programming] A programming model in which related tasks, properties, and data structures are enclosed inside an object, and work is done when objects make requests and receive results from other … Read more

[ESRI software] In ArcGIS, a system-managed value that uniquely identifies a record or feature.

An ellipsoid created by rotating an ellipse around its minor axis. The shape of the earth approximates an oblate ellipsoid with a flattening ratio of 1 to 298.257.

An aerial photograph taken with the axis of the camera held at an angle between the horizontal plane of the ground and the vertical plane perpendicular to the ground. A … Read more

1 [map projections] A planar or cylindrical projection whose point of tangency is neither on the equator nor at a pole. 2 [map projections] A conic projection whose axis does … Read more

[ESRI software] In ArcScene and ArcGlobe, the position of the camera in a scene or globe.

[ESRI software] In ArcScene and ArcGlobe, the height of the observer point above a surface used in analysis when calculating lines of sight and viewsheds.