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Geospatial and GIS Glossary

AOI

The area of a geographic feature is the measurement of its surface size, expressed in square units such as m², km², or acres.

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Airborne LiDAR

In airborne LiDAR, a laser scanner on an aircraft sends pulses to the ground and records reflections to generate detailed 3D terrain point clouds.

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Altitude

Altitude is measured relative to mean sea level (MSL) or the reference ellipsoid (HAE), depending on the system used.

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Annotation

In GIS, annotation refers to labels, text, symbols, and graphic elements added to maps to improve readability, provide context, and communicate spatial information.

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ArcGIS

ArcGIS is a GIS platform by ESRI that enables users to create, manage, analyze, and share geographic data, maps, and spatial insights.

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Archive

A satellite imagery archive is a collection of stored satellite images that have been acquired, processed, and preserved for future analysis and use.

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Attribute Table

An attribute table in GIS stores information about geographic features, with rows representing features and columns containing their attributes.

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Azimuth

Azimuth is the horizontal angle of a direction, measured clockwise in degrees from the positive y-axis (north), like a compass bearing.

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BIM

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a smart digital process that helps architects, engineers, and contractors collaborate on design, construction, and operations.

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BVLOS

BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) refers to the operation of drones or UAVs beyond the operator’s direct visual range.

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Band

An image band is a layer in a multispectral image that captures data from a specific wavelength range, aiding mapping, remote sensing, and monitoring.

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Base Map or Base Layer

A map that displays key geographic features, such as roads, rivers, and landmarks, to provide spatial context.

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Basin

A six-digit hydrologic unit defined by the USGS that serves as a standardized geographic boundary for data management and analysis.

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Bathymetric LiDAR Mapping

Bathymetric LiDAR maps underwater terrain by using laser pulses that penetrate water and reflect from the seabed or riverbed to measure depth accurately.

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Bearing

A bearing is the direction from a current location to a specific point, measured clockwise in degrees from true north or magnetic north.

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Buffer

A buffer zone is an area created at a specified distance around a geographic feature to represent proximity, influence, or impact.

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CLU

A Common Land Unit (CLU) is the smallest mapped land parcel with fixed boundaries, sharing common ownership, management, use, or client association.

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CSSM

The CSDGM is an FGDC standard that ensures consistent spatial metadata documentation, improving geographic data sharing, discovery, and usability.

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Cartesian Coordinate System

A Cartesian coordinate system uses x (horizontal) and y (vertical) axes to locate points with unique coordinates for accurate measurement and analysis.

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Central Meridian

A parameter that defines a specific zone within a map projection system, used to divide regions for accurate geographic positioning and coordinate mapping.

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Compression

A raster compression tool reduces image file size using lossless or lossy methods. Examples include MrSID and JPEG2000, balancing storage and image quality.

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Constellation

A GPS constellation is a group of satellites used for positioning. At least 3 satellites provide a 2D fix, while 4 or more are needed for a 3D fix.

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Construction Site Monitoring

Construction site drone monitoring involves the use of drones (UAVs) to observe, inspect, and collect data from construction sites.

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Contour Interval

The contour interval is a fixed elevation difference between contour lines, chosen based on terrain and the level of detail needed in a map.

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Contour Lines

Contour lines are imaginary lines on a map that connect points of equal elevation, showing the shape and relief of the land.

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Contour Map

A contour map (topographic map) shows land relief using contour lines that connect points of equal elevation, helping visualize terrain shape and height changes.

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Coordinate

A coordinate is a set of values, such as (x, y) in a two-dimensional system or (x, y, z) in a three-dimensional system, used to define a specific location.

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Coordinate System

A coordinate system is a reference framework used to locate points and measure distances on maps, ensuring geographic data is accurately positioned.

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DEM

A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) is a raster-based digital representation of Earth's surface elevation, widely used in GIS, remote sensing, terrain analysis, and surface modeling.

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DLG

USGS Digital Line Graphs (DLG) are digital cartographic datasets containing roads, waterways, contours, and land boundaries in a standardized exchange format.

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DOQ

Digital Orthophoto Quadrangle (DOQ): A geometrically corrected aerial image with map accuracy, combining photo detail and precise positioning for GIS and mapping.

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DOQQ

USGS provides Digital Orthophoto Quarter Quadrangles (DOQQs) for easier use and storage. Four DOQQs combine to form one full DOQ quadrangle.

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DRG

Digital Raster Graphic: Scanned 1:24,000 USGS topographic map. Ideal as a backdrop for manual distance measurement and coordinate lookup; not spatially editable.

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DSM

A Digital Surface Model (DSM) represents Earth's surface, including terrain, buildings, vegetation, and structures, for urban planning, aviation, telecom, and environmental analysis.

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DTM

A Digital Terrain Model (DTM) represents the Earth's bare surface elevation, excluding buildings and vegetation, for terrain, hydrology, and flood analysis.

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DXF

DXF: A vector file format (ASCII or binary) for CAD data exchange, enabling AutoCAD interoperability and conversion to GIS coverages.

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Data Conversion

Data Conversion: Converting geographic data into compatible formats (e.g., DLG, TIGER, DXF, DEM) so data from multiple sources can be integrated and analyzed in GIS.

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Data Dictionary

A data dictionary defines database fields, formats, and values. In GIS/GPS projects, it standardizes geographic features and attributes for consistent, accurate data collection.

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Data Type

A data type specifies the type of values a column or variable can hold, such as text, integers (whole numbers), or floating-point (decimal) values.

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Dataset

A database is a structured collection of related data that enables efficient storage, organization, retrieval, management, and updating of information.

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Datum

A datum is a reference framework that defines Earth's shape and position, enabling accurate coordinates, mapping, surveying, and GIS. Examples: WGS84 and NAD83.

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Digitize

Digitizing converts map features into digital X,Y coordinates by tracing points, lines, and polygons manually or through automated scanning technology.

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Dissolve

Dissolve merges adjacent polygons with the same attribute by removing shared boundaries, creating one unified feature.

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Drone Façade Inspection

Drone Façade Inspection uses UAVs to safely inspect building exteriors, capturing high-resolution images to detect defects, damage, and maintenance needs.

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Drone LiDAR Mapping

UAV-based LiDAR uses drones to capture high-resolution, accurate 3D terrain and surface data in difficult, inaccessible, or hazardous areas.

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Drone Mapping

Drone mapping uses UAVs to capture high-resolution aerial images and spatial data, creating accurate maps, orthomosaics, and detailed 3D models.

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Drone Surveying

Drone surveying uses UAVs with high-res cameras, LiDAR, thermal, and multispectral sensors to capture precise spatial data for maps, orthophotos and 3D models.

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Drone inspection

Drone inspection uses UAVs to safely examine structures and equipment, capturing high-resolution images and data to detect defects and monitor conditions safe

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EOS

NASA's Earth Observation System (EOS) monitors Earth's changes using satellites, generating petabytes of data for environmental research and analysis.

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Edge Matching

Editing process ensuring features across adjacent map sheets align accurately by matching shared boundaries using links for consistent edge locations.

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Ellipsoid

An ellipsoid is a 3D mathematical model of Earth, with elliptical cross-sections, used in GIS and mapping to represent Earth's shape more accurately than a sphere.

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Entity

An entity is a collection of related people, places, or things that share common attributes, identified during the conceptual design of databases.

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Equator

The Equator is the reference parallel at 0° latitude, dividing Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

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eVTOL

eVTOL aircraft take off and land vertically, enabling electric air taxis without runways and making urban travel faster, cleaner, and more efficient.

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FAA

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the U.S. agency responsible for regulating civil aviation, ensuring air safety, and managing air traffic.

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FGDC

The FGDC is the executive branch’s lead body for developing, implementing, and evaluating geospatial data policies, practices, and standards.

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FIPS

FIPS sets U.S. standards for computer systems. FIPS 173 preceded SDTS, defining digital mapping terms, accuracy, state/country codes, and POSIX.1 compliance.

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FPV

FPV flying uses an onboard camera to stream live video in real time to goggles, a smartphone, or a tablet for an immersive pilot's view.

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Facade Inspection

Regular building facade inspections detect issues early, ensuring safety, structural integrity, and cost-effective maintenance while preventing major damage.

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Feature

A GIS feature represents a real-world object or event location as a point (tree), line (road), or polygon (forest or parking lot).

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Feature Attribute Table

Stores attribute information for a specific coverage feature class, including its properties, characteristics, and related metadata.

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Format

A file format defines how data is organized, stored, and interpreted in a file. Examples include DLG, DEM, and TIGER for geographic data.

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GIS

GIS is a computer-based system that captures, stores, analyzes, manages, and displays geographic data, including maps, imagery, and spatial datasets.

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GPS

A GPS device uses satellite signals to record X, Y, and Z coordinates and collect accurate location data while walking, driving, or flying.

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GRASS

GRASS is an open-source GIS and image processing software, originally developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and later enhanced by Baylor University.

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GRS-80

The reference ellipsoid used by the WGS-84 and NAD-83 datums, providing one of the best global approximations of the Earth's geoid.

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GeoSpatial Database

A GIS database stores and manages spatial data (points, lines, polygons) and their associated attributes as a single, organized data unit.

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Geocode

The process of identifying a location using one or more attributes from a base layer.

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Geodatabase

A geodatabase stores geographic data in tables, supporting topology, data integrity, and custom behavior in personal or enterprise databases.

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Geodetic Datum

A geodetic datum is a mathematical model that defines Earth's shape, size, and reference points for accurate mapping and global positioning.

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Geoid

The geoid is an equipotential surface matching mean sea level, extending beneath land and serving as the standard reference for elevation.

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Geometry

Geometry studies points, lines, shapes, and surfaces. In GIS, it defines the spatial shape, size, and location of geographic features on a map.

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Georeference

To establish a relationship between map coordinates and their corresponding real-world locations.

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Georeferencing

Georeferencing is the process of assigning real-world coordinates to spatial data, such as maps, images, or geographic datasets.

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Heat Map

A Heat Map uses color gradients to visualize data intensity, density, or concentration across an area, making patterns and hotspots easy to identify.

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Image

An image is a raster-based visual representation, such as a photo or satellite image, storing pixel values that represent reflected light or energy.

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Index

A specialized data structure used in databases to accelerate the retrieval of records from tables or spatial features in geographic datasets.

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Interpolation

Interpolation is the process of estimating the value of a surface at an unsampled location using the known values of surrounding points.

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Intersect

The topological integration of two spatial datasets that retains features located within the area shared by both input datasets.

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Isoline

A line connecting points of equal value on a surface.

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JSON

A lightweight, text-based format used for storing and exchanging data between applications and systems.

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KML

KML (Keyhole Markup Language) is an XML-based format for displaying and sharing geographic data, maps, placemarks, and 3D content in mapping applications.

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LAANC

LAANC enables safe, fast drone flight approvals, helping integrate drones into U.S. airspace while ensuring FAA-compliant operations.

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Landsat

Landsat satellites capture Earth imagery, with data commonly stored in .BIL and .BIP formats for remote sensing, GIS, and mapping applications.

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Latitude

Latitude measures a location's north or south position from the equator, with north as positive and south as negative.

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Layer

A layer is a set of related geographic data stored in a map. It acts as a digital overlay, enabling visualization, analysis, and combination with other map layers.

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LiDAR

LiDAR uses laser pulses to measure distances and create accurate 3D point cloud models of terrain, vegetation, buildings, and ocean floors.

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Line

Lines represent geographic features that are too narrow to be depicted as areas at a given map scale, such as contours, street centerlines, and streams.

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MapInfo Pro

An affordable, high-performance mapping solution that enables GIS professionals to visualize, edit, interpret, and analyze geospatial data with ease.

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Maxar Satellite Images

Maxar delivers high-resolution satellite imagery and geospatial intelligence for mapping, urban planning, disaster response, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure.

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Metadata

Information about a dataset, including its source, date of creation, format, projection, scale, resolution, accuracy, and reliability according to established standards.

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NED

The National Elevation Dataset (NED), developed by the USGS, provides a consistent, high-quality elevation database by integrating the best U.S. elevation data.

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NSDI

National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) enables standardized collection, sharing, and management of geospatial data for better planning and decisions.

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Navigation Mapping

Navigation mapping creates digital maps with roads, streets, landmarks, and routes, helping users find directions and navigate efficiently between locations.

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Ortho Imagery

Orthorectified aerial photos corrected for tilt and terrain distortion, providing an accurate, true-to-scale representation of the Earth's surface.

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Ortho Mosaic

An orthomosaic is a high-resolution, georeferenced map made by stitching orthorectified aerial or satellite images into one accurate, distortion-free view.

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Photogrammetry

Photogrammetry creates accurate 3D models from multiple photos by analyzing image geometry, camera positions, and spatial relationships to reconstruct objects.

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Pipeline Mapping

Pipeline mapping identifies, documents, and maps pipelines and related infrastructure to ensure efficient, safe transport of oil, gas, liquids, and other resources.

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Planimetric maps

Planimetric maps are 2D maps showing the horizontal locations of natural and man-made features like roads, buildings, rivers, and boundaries, without elevation.

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Point

A single geographic coordinate (x, y) used to represent a feature that is too small to be displayed as a line or polygon at a given map scale.

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Polygon

A polygon is a multi-sided shape used on a map to represent an area. Polygons contain attributes that describe the geographic feature or region they represent.

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Powerline Mapping

Powerline mapping creates detailed maps of power lines and utility assets, helping utilities manage infrastructure, plan maintenance and ensure reliability.

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QGIS Project

QGIS projects deliver GIS mapping and spatial analysis for land, utilities, urban planning, and environmental data, enabling smarter location-based decisions.

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QuickBird

QuickBird (2001–2015) delivered high-resolution satellite imagery, enabling detailed Earth observation, mapping, monitoring and analysis.

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Raster

A raster image is a digital representation of an image composed of a matrix of pixels arranged in rows and columns.

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SLAM

Drone SLAM uses cameras, LiDAR and radar to map surroundings while estimating the drone's position in real time for accurate navigation.

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SQL

SQL is the standard language for creating, querying and managing relational databases, enabling efficient storage, retrieval and manipulation of structured data.

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SUAS

A Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS) is a lightweight drone for aerial mapping, surveying, inspection, and monitoring, delivering real-time data efficiently.

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Satellite Imagery Resolution

Satellite imagery resolution measures image detail by the smallest visible object. It varies with the satellite platform and imaging technology used.

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Satellite Sensors or Cameras

Satellite image cameras are remote sensing sensors mounted on satellites that capture Earth's surface from orbit for mapping, monitoring, and analysis.

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Scale

The ratio between a distance or area on a map and the corresponding distance or area on the ground.

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Spatial Analysis

Spatial analysis models and interprets location data to assess suitability, predict outcomes, and reveal spatial patterns for smarter decisions.

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Terrestrial LiDAR

Terrestrial LiDAR uses ground-based laser scanners to capture reflections, creating accurate 3D point clouds for mapping and surveying.

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Terrestrial Mapping

Terrestrial mapping uses ground surveys and sensing to create accurate maps of terrain and features for planning, analysis, and land management.

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The 3D Models

Drone photogrammetry converts overlapping aerial images into accurate 3D models of terrain, buildings and structures for surveying, planning and inspection.

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Theme

ArcView theme stores geographic data as features like points, lines, polygons and annotations, representing a single map layer such as roads, soils or land use.

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Topographic Map

Topographic maps use contour lines to show elevation, depicting hills, valleys, mountains, and other landforms on a flat, easy-to-read map.

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UAS

UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) combines a drone, ground station and communication system for remote flights used in mapping, inspections and surveys.

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USDA

USDA is the U.S. agency overseeing agriculture, food safety, nutrition, forestry and rural development, supporting farmers and sustainable food systems.

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USGS

USGS is a U.S. scientific agency providing trusted data on earthquakes, water, land, hazards, and natural resources to support safety, research, and planning.

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Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM Coordinates)

UTM is a global coordinate system that divides Earth into 60 zones, enabling accurate mapping, navigation, and precise distance, direction, and area measurement.

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Vector

Vector files store geographic or spatial data as points, lines, and polygons.

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What is 4D GIS Mapping

GIS uses time as the fourth dimension, adding change over time to 2D coordinates and 3D elevation for dynamic spatial analysis and visualization.

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Wind Turbine Drone Inspection

Drone wind turbine inspections are a safe, fast, cost-effective way to assess turbines, reduce risk, cut costs, and improve maintenance. with high accuracy.

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WorldView-1

WorldView-1, launched in 2007 and operated by Maxar, captures high-resolution Earth imagery for mapping, monitoring, and geospatial analysis.

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WorldView-2

WorldView-2 is a high-resolution Earth observation satellite by Maxar, delivering imagery for mapping, environmental monitoring, and geospatial analysis.

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WorldView-3

WorldView-3 is a high-resolution Earth observation satellite offering advanced imaging for mapping, environmental monitoring, analysis and geospatial use.

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WorldView-4

WorldView-4, launched by Maxar in 2016, captures high-resolution Earth imagery for mapping, monitoring, infrastructure planning, and geospatial analysis.

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X-axis

The X-axis is generally used to represent values along the horizontal direction of a graph or chart.

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XML

An XML (Extensible Markup Language) file is a text-based format used to store and exchange structured data between systems in a readable and organized way.

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Y-axis

The Y-axis represents values plotted in the vertical direction.

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Z-axis

The Z-axis represents values along the depth direction in a 3D coordinate system.

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Zoom

Map zoom level controls how much of a map you see. Zooming in reveals more detail in a smaller area, while zooming out shows a larger area with less detail.

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