GIS Dictionary

[programming] In ArcGIS, a subset of all the fields associated with a layer or data.

[empty] (Pronounced “smee”) This person is usually from Development or Products who specializes in the software, workflow, or subject matter on which the course is based.

[ESRI software] One of several layers that are part of a group layer in a map document.

[ESRI software] Within a geometric network, the replacement of an orphan junction by a non-orphan junction from a user-defined feature class. The original junction is deleted from the network, and … Read more

[graphics computing] In printing, the three primary colorscyan, magenta, and yellowthat when used as filters for white light remove blue, green, and red light, respectively.

[database structures] In geodatabases, a subset of features in a feature class or objects in a table that share the same attributes. For example, the streets in a streets feature … Read more

[modeling] A model that weights locations relative to each other based on given criteria. Suitability models might aid in finding a favorable location for a new facility, road, or habitat … Read more

[cartography] A contour line placed between regularly spaced contours, used when the terrain change is not large enough to be depicted with consistent contour intervals.

[data models] A geographic phenomenon represented as a set of continuous data (such as elevation, geological boundaries, or air pollution); a spatial distribution which associates a single value with each … Read more

[spatial statistics use for geostatistics] Generating a statistical surface that approximates the values of a set of known x,y,z points.

[ESRI software] Perpendicular or normal to the slope of the surface in 3D Analyst. As changes in slope are approached across the surface, the degree of smoothness is defined by … Read more

[ESRI software] In Survey Analyst for field measurements, a collection of survey objects of a particular type. A survey dataset contains a set of survey classes for each of the … Read more

[ESRI software] In Survey Analyst for field measurements, importers that interpret operation codes and feature codes when a data collector file is imported. Users choose the converter that matches the … Read more

[ESRI software] In Survey Analyst for field measurements, a dataset that stores survey objects.

[ESRI software] In Survey Analyst for field measurements, the main interface for working with stored survey information. Data may be explored and edited directly in the Survey Explorer. Users can … Read more

[ESRI software] In Survey Analyst for field measurements, layers that are created whenever survey datasets or survey projects are added to the map. Survey layers appear in the table of … Read more

[ESRI software] An object, such as a metal disk, permanently mounted in the landscape to denote a survey station.

[ESRI software] In Survey Analyst for field measurements, a collective term referring to measurements, computations, survey points, and coordinates in the survey dataset.

[ESRI software] In Survey Analyst for field measurements, named locations that are observed through various surveys. Survey points can be observed multiple times and by many surveys over time. They … Read more

[ESRI software] In Survey Analyst for field measurements, a subset of the survey dataset that represents a unit of work. A survey project is used as a logical structure that … Read more

[surveying] A location on the earth that has been accurately determined by geodetic survey.

[ESRI software] In Survey Analyst for field measurements, the feature classes in the geodatabase that contain survey-aware features.

[ESRI software] In Survey Analyst for field measurements, features that are associated with survey data.

[surveying] Measuring physical or geometric characteristics of the earth. Surveys are often classified by the type of data studied or by the instruments or methods used. Examples include geodetic, geologic, … Read more