GIS Dictionary

[Internet] Acronym for Secure Hash Algorithm v1. A Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) method for encoding sensitive information before sending the information over the Internet. The method jumbles data, such … Read more

A raster image that shows changes in elevation using light and shadows on terrain from a given angle and altitude of the sun.

Graphic patterns such as cross hatching, lines, or color or grayscale tones that distinguish one area from another on a map.

[programming] An application that uses the session state management capabilities of a Web server to maintain application state and makes stateless use of server objects. Shallowly stateful applications can use … Read more

[data models] The characteristic appearance or visible form of a geographic object as represented on a map. A GIS uses points, lines, and polygons to represent the shapes of geographic … Read more

[ESRI software] A vector data storage format for storing the location, shape, and attributes of geographic features. A shapefile is stored in a set of related files and contains one … Read more

[data models] A boundary common to two features. For example, in a parcel database, adjacent parcels share a boundary. Another example is a parcel that shares a boundary on one … Read more

[ESRI software] Data layers, services, maps, applications, and so on that are available to more than one user.

[ESRI software] Data layers, services, maps, applications, and so on that are available to more than one user.

[data models] A vertex common to multiple features. For example, in a parcel database, adjacent parcels share a vertex at the common corner.

[symbology] A map symbol that serves as a route marker. Shields come in many varieties, but the most common shields in the United States are for interstate highways, U.S. routes, … Read more

[spatial statistics use for geostatistics] In a spatial model, fine-scale variation that is usually modeled as spatially-dependent random variation.

1 [network analysis] The best route or the route of least impedance between two or more points, taking into account connectivity and travel restrictions such as one-way streets and rush-hour … Read more

[software] A complete application that demonstrates a solution for a specific need.