ARC 1 - Intro to GIS

Geographic Information System (GIS):

• Definition: A system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present spatial or geographic data.

Spatial Data:

• Definition: Data that represents features or phenomena with a geographic location or extent, typically stored as points, lines, or polygons.

Attribute Data:

• Definition: Non-spatial data that describes the characteristics or attributes of spatial features in a GIS dataset.

Data Layers:

• Definition: Individual thematic datasets representing specific geographic features or phenomena, which can be overlaid and analyzed together in a GIS.

Georeferencing:

• Definition: The process of aligning spatial data to a known coordinate system or reference system to enable accurate spatial analysis and visualization.

Map Projections:

• Definition: Mathematical methods used to represent the Earth's curved surface on a flat map, allowing geographic data to be accurately displayed.

Coordinate Systems:

• Definition: Systems used to specify the positions of points or locations on the Earth's surface, typically defined by latitude, longitude, and elevation.

Data Visualization:

• Definition: The graphical representation of spatial data using maps, charts, graphs, or other visual aids to communicate information and insights.

Spatial Analysis:

• Definition: The process of examining spatial patterns, relationships, and trends within geographic data to derive meaningful insights or make informed decisions.

Querying and Filtering:

• Definition: The process of selecting and retrieving specific subsets of data from a larger dataset based on predefined criteria or conditions.

Spatial Join:

• Definition: A GIS operation that combines attribute data from two or more spatial datasets based on their spatial relationships, such as containment or proximity.

Attribute Join:

• Definition: A GIS operation that combines attribute data from two or more non-spatial datasets based on common fields or identifiers.

Data Editing:

• Definition: The process of modifying or updating spatial and attribute data within a GIS, including tasks such as digitizing, adding, deleting, or modifying features.

Geocoding:

• Definition: The process of converting textual addresses or place names into geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) for spatial analysis and mapping.

Remote Sensing:

• Definition: The science and technology of acquiring information about objects or areas on the Earth's surface from a distance, typically using satellite or aerial sensors.

Satellite Imagery:

• Definition: Images of the Earth's surface captured by satellites orbiting the planet, used for various applications such as land cover mapping, environmental monitoring, and disaster assessment.

Aerial Photography:

• Definition: Images of the Earth's surface captured from aircraft, drones, or other airborne platforms, commonly used for mapping, land surveying, and urban planning.

Image Classification:

• Definition: The process of categorizing pixels within remote sensing imagery into discrete classes or categories based on their spectral characteristics and spatial patterns.

Digital Elevation Models (DEM):

• Definition: Digital representations of the Earth's surface that depict elevation or terrain information, typically represented as a grid of elevation values.

Geospatial Analysis:

• Definition: The process of analyzing and interpreting geographic data to identify patterns, trends, and relationships for decision-making or problem-solving purposes.

Spatial Statistics:

• Definition: Statistical techniques and methods applied to spatial data to analyze spatial patterns, distributions, and relationships, including measures of spatial autocorrelation and interpolation.

Cartography:

• Definition: The art and science of mapmaking, involving the design, production, and interpretation of maps to visually represent spatial information and geographic phenomena.

Map Layouts:

• Definition: The arrangement and design of map elements, including titles, legends, scale bars, and north arrows, to create a visually appealing and informative map for presentation or publication.

Geodatabases:

• Definition: A database system designed to store, manage, and analyze spatial data in a GIS environment, including support for complex data structures, relationships, and integrity rules.

Metadata:

• Definition: Descriptive information about spatial data, including its source, quality, format, projection, and other characteristics, used for documentation, discovery, and understanding.