A Glossary of Selected Terms

Relevant to
Geographic Information Systems

INTRODUCTION

This glossary is a sub-set of one developed by the Urban and Regional Information
Systems Association (URISA). The full glossary is available on URISA’s web site at
www.urisa.org in the publications section.

TERMS AND PHRASES

Accuracy

Accuracy is the closeness of results of observations, computations, or estimation of

spatial features to their true value of position. “Absolute accuracy" is the differential
between the actual real world location of a point on the surface of the earth and its
mathematically assigned geographic coordinate.

Address Matching

Process that compares a table of addresses to the address attributes of a theme to convert
textual addresses to locations on a map. Street name and address values are compared to
database records to find the street segment with a matching name and address range. The
address is then located at a prorata distance from the street segments start point
proportional to the addresses value relative to the street's address range value and on the
appropriate side of the street (even addresses always on the right, etc.). Also see the term
“geocoding”.

Annotation

Annotation is text or labels plotted graphically on a map or drawing. Text or labels are
used for naming such map features as streets and places; unique identification numbers
assigned to individual map features including parcels, utility nodes and links;
dimensioning; posted notes and instructions; descriptive text used to label area features
such as soil types, zoning categories. Annotation is typically primitive map features and is
not intelligently associated to the map feature and/or possible linked DBMS records.

Application

An application is the use of software, data, procedures and techniques in a series of steps
that are then put into practice to solve a problem or perform a function. For example, an
“abutter mailing labels” application would enable a user to identify a property, typically

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with its address. The application would then either enable to user to select abutting
properties, or would select abutters automatically. Once the abutters were identified, the
application would use information in the GIS database to produce a mailing label for each
abutter. Additional capabilities might include making a map showing the target property
and its abutters or performing a merge of a standard letter with each of the addresses.

Arc

An arc is a series of points that form an unclosed linear feature in a spatial database.

1. A set of XY coordinates used to represent a linear feature or a polygon

boundary. It is a continuous string of XY coordinate pairs (vertices)
beginning at one location and ending at another location, having length but no
area.
2. A coverage feature class used to represent linear features and polygon
boundaries. One linear feature can contain many arcs.
3. In CAD it is a curvilinear feature defined by such location combinations as
Center point, radius, and starding point.
4. Center Point, Start and End Point Start point, end point and one point in
between Others.

Attributes

• Single element of non-graphic data assigned to a spatial feature either as an imbedded

data element within the spatial database or located in a linked database record.
• Descriptive characteristics of a feature, site or phenomenon.
• Set or collection of data that describe the characteristics of real-world conditions.

Base Map

• Basic representation of a region of the earth as it would appear if viewed from above.
• Portrays basic reference information onto which other information of a specialized
nature is placed. Usually shows the location and extent of natural earth surface
features and permanent man-made objects.
• Contains basic digital survey control and topographic elevation reference framework
for integrating all of the other map features of a particular geographic area.

Cartesian Coordinate

Point whose location is expressed in terms of its distance above or below an X, a Y and a
Z coordinate plane. Location of a point on a plane is expressed by two coordinate values,
one representing the distance from the Y-axis and the other representing the distance from
the X-axis.

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Cartography

Cartography is the science and art of making maps and charts. More broadly, the term
includes all the steps necessary to produce a map: planning, aerial photography, drafting,
editing, color separation, and multicolored printing. With regard to computerized spatial
databases, a spatial feature is a point, line, arcs, string, chain, polygons, symbol, text or
other form of spatial entity.

Centerline

A centerline is a linear feature representing the midpoint along a linear element like a
road or stream.

DBMS

This acronym refers to database management software and refers to software used for
entering, editing, managing, and displaying information. The acronym RDBMS is similar
but refers to a specific kind of database management software commonly used with a GIS
and referred to as “relational database management software”.

Digitize

Digitizing is the process of tracing paper or other documents on a specialized table or

“tablet” to capture in digital form lines and points representing map features. The
process of converting existing data from paper maps, aerial photos, or raster images into
digital form by tracing the maps on a digitizer. Feature locations are encoded as X,Y
coordinate pairs in a Cartesian grid.

DXF

Acronym for Data Exchange Format, a standard spatial data exchange format for CAD
systems. DXF files contain ASCII or binary (DXB) records each of which describes a
vector completely enough so that it can be converted into a spatial feature by any spatial
database management product able to process these files.

Feature

This refers to natural and man-made geographic features represented by points/symbols,

lines, and areas on a map. It may also be an object in a geographic or spatial database
with a distinct set of characteristics. Alternatively, it is a defined aspect of the earth's
surface that is not further subdivided. For example, a road segment, manhole, building,
or an area designated as having a uniform soil type.

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File

In computing, a collection or set of related digital data stored on a computer disk and
accessed / retrieved according to an assigned unique name. A collection of related
computer records grouped under a common heading and containing data according to
specific units.

Format

Format refers to the physical structure of an item. It is the order in which information is
prepared and presented.

1) The arrangement of data for storage or display. A file format is the specific
design of how information is organized in a collection or set of related digital
data.
2) To divide (a disk) into marked sectors so that it may store data.
3) To determine the arrangement of (data) for storage or display.

Geocoding

In spatial databases, a coding process wherein a digital map feature is assigned an

attribute to serve as a unique ID (tract number, node number) or classification (soil type,
zoning category). In polygon processing, the polygon boundary that contains the
coordinate pair of a data item (text label) is assigned the value of that data item as
"geocode". Also see “address matching”.

Geographic Information System (GIS)

NOTE: The following is not an attempt to provide a single generic definition.

1) Computerized decision support systems that integrate spatially referenced

data. These systems capture, store. retrieve, analyze and display spatial data.
2) An organized assemblage of computer hardware, software, spatial data and
operating instructions designed for capturing, storing, updating, manipulating,
analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information.
3) A manual or computer-based system for geographic data input, storage,
manipulation, analysis, modeling and output. The system is used to improve
geographic question-asking and problem-solving, and to enhance the overall
geographic decision-making process.

GPS

Acronym for Global Positioning System, hardware and software designed to

communicate with specialized satellites to determine ground location.

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Graphic User Interface

This term refers to a software standard used to establish the menus, screens, dialog boxes,
buttons, edit boxes, pick lists, toggles, radio buttons, command input, and viewing
screens used to communicate instructions to the computer and for the computer to
communicate findings back to the user.

Graphic/Non-Graphic Interface

These terms refer to two-way interface between the spatial database (drawing) and the
non-graphic DBMS table. The interface supports instructions sent by the user from the
spatial database requesting specific operations to be performed by the supporting DBMS,
and instructions sent from the DBMS requesting specific transactions to be performed by
the spatial database (i.e. change the color, fill pattern, width or thickness of associated
spatial features)

Ground Control

Ground control refers to points on the surface of the earth with known coordinates as
represented by some geographic grid reference system. The location of ground control
points can be represented on maps and other cartographic products, and can serve as
reference points with which to rectify the scale and accuracy of cartographic products to
the actual area on the ground that is represented. Ground control points are classified
according to their horizontal and vertical accuracy (e.g., Second Order Class I).

Indexing

Indexing refers to logically ordering information components by the values present in a

key field.

Inset Map

An inset map is a more detailed (larger scale) representation of a specific area on a map
usually placed in an uncluttered portion of the same sheet as the smaller scale main map.

Interface

1) Surface forming a common boundary between adjacent regions, bodies,

substances, or phases.
2) Junction between two or more components of an information system.
Typically, the link between the spatial database and non-graphic (DBMS)
databases.
3) Point of interaction or communication between a computer and any other
entity, such as a printer or human operator.

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Labels

Labels are text posted on a map near a spatial feature. The source of the text typically is
Either a linked database record or a text element created by at the location by the
cartographer.

Layer

This term refers to a logical grouping of map features to be viewed individually or in

combination. This concept is similar to one using transparent acetate overlays of
different map features to add or remove visible map features. This term also means a
distinct set of spatial features that are dealt with together.

Legend

A legend is an explanation of the symbols, codes, names given variables and other
information appearing on a map drawing or chart. Legends include a sample of each
symbol, line pattern, shading, or hatching appearing on the map along with annotations
describing the meaning of each.

Lookup Table

• Database table that assigns display parameters to each value in a field to generate
thematic maps.
• A list of values that are correlated to a range of other values. For example, according
to a soil type name, reference to this table can identify the corresponding compressive
strength, percolation, and erosion potential rating.
• A file that correlates a user defined ID number permanently assigned to a spatial
feature with machine-readable ID number that is subject to occasional change.

Macros

• Sequence of commands executed as one command.

• Series of specialized procedures or instructions in a computer language that can be
replaced by a set of instructions that customize and streamline basic software
functions.
• Recorded and often complex sequence of keystrokes and mouse actions that can be
played back with a single or simple combination of keystrokes.

Mainframe

Central Processing Unit (CPU), main memory, and control units of a computer typically
housed in one large cabinet or in a number of smaller ones grouped together. The term
only applies to large computers.

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Map

A map is a representation, usually on a flat (planar) surface, of a region of the earth or

heavens. Within a spatial database, an assembly of digital spatial features that represent a
set of real-world features and the geographic relationships between them. This
representation may exits digitally, manually (i.e. on paper), or in the human mind.

Menu

On computers, menus provide options for command input by computer users rather than
by typing instructions. Menus come in many forms including permanent screen menu
squares, pull-downs, popups, sliders, icons, cursor, picklists, dialog and toolbar buttons,
as well as printed tablet menus and cursor buttons on digitizing (mouse) devices.

Metadata

This term refers to data about data. This information typically includes such information
as the data's source, accuracy, data type, projection, date of origination and other general
descriptions.

Network Analysis

Specialized queries that reference connected linear and node features.

1) Typical analytical transactions within Transportation Networks: Modifying

direction and/or impedance along links and through intersections. Identifying the
optimal path as measured between two or more points according to a selected
terms of measurement. Highlighting all components (nodes and links) of the
optimal path, referred to as "routing".
2) Typical analytical transactions within Utility Networks: Modifying direction and
ON/OFF position settings of links relative to nodes. Isolating all network nodes
and links both physically and logically connected to a selected test point.
Highlighting all logically connected network features, referred to a "Network
Tracing". Attribute records linked to highlighted features can be subsequently
isolated to perform design analysis.
3) Two types of utility networks: Pressure Networks. Typical transactions include
resetting valves to redirect service operations or reset switches to reconfigure
circuits. Typically applies to water, gas, steam, electric and telephone systems.
Gravity Networks. Typical transactions include isolating all nodes and links
upstream or downstream from a test point. Can include isolating a portion of the
network by changing position settings of links relative to their upstream or
downstream nodes to OFF. Typically applies to sewer, storm, telephone, and
sometimes electric utilities.

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 4) Typical analysis performed using records linked to highlighted features in a route
or trace include load loss, traffic demand and capacity, pressure loss, maximum
flow, gradient, asset management and other engineering analysis.

Network Routing

In transportation networks, this refers to highlighting all node and link features along the
optimal path between a starting point and one or more destinations, either in terms of
least distance, travel time, or other prescribed performance criteria. See Network
Analysis.

Network Tracing

In utility networks, this refers to highlighting all node and link features within a gravity of
pressure network that are both physically and logically connected to a test point within
the network according to a specified set of rules. See Utility Network, Network Analysis,
Network Link, and Network Node.

Non-Graphic Database (also Non-Spatial)

This phrase refers to a set of tabular data records, each record containing multiple data
fields. In the context of spatial databases, one of these fields is the Unique ID Number of
a corresponding map feature.

On-The-Fly

This term refers to temporary performance or activity when needed. It also refers to an
instruction that is transparently invoked by the user according to conditions encountered
during a transaction. Automatic Boolean operations that add, modify or skip certain
processing steps under a particular set of conditions. For example, when adding a new
spatial feature, the ID number of the previously encoded feature is defined along with the
default rules for sequentially generating the "next" ID number to be used, modified or
ignored.

Orthophoto

This term, refers to an aerial photograph that has had distortions due to elevation changes,
variation in the distance from the camera to the ground at different locations, and aircraft
movement removed. The process of distortion removal is referred to as image
rectification. You can use rectified photographs, within the limits of their horizontal
accuracy, be used to measure areas and distances. When first produced, orthophotos were
delivered printed on paper or mylar. Today they are almost always delivered as digital
files and therefore are more correctly referred to as orthoimages.

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Out-Of-The-Box

Refers to a software or hardware system with a user interface so intuitive that it can be
implemented without little or no training or reference to documentation.

Overlay

An overlay is something that is laid over or covers something else.

1) In a manual graphic information system, a transparent sheet containing graphic

information, such as labels, symbols or colored areas, defined in a manner to
expedite being viewed and interpreted in conjunction with other data overlays
with a common coordinate system.
2) In an automated spatial information system, same as a manual system except
that all overlays are in a digital format for viewing and interpretation on a
CRT screen. Each overlay defines a specific aspect of the spatial database.
3) Typical overlays could include land use, soils, watershed boundaries or
drainage system overlays, each of which is a single or set of multiple layers
within the spatial information system. 4) Also refers to the intersection of two
polygon layers to make a third composite overlay (i.e. soils overlaid with land
use to define runoff conditions). See Intersection.

Overshoot

Situation where a digital line extends past the intended boundary line. This extension
past the intended juncture point is called a dangle.

Pan

This term is usually used in the phrase “pan and zoom” and refers to elements of a
computer interface that enable use of a mouse cursor on a computer screen to “click and
drag” your viewing area so that an adjacent area is displayed.

Parcel

A portion of the earth defined by a boundary inside of which certain assigned rights apply
regarding occupancy and/or use of land, air or water apply. Can also include linked
attributes that define the rules and conditions for exercising these rights.

Photogrammetry

This term is used in surveying and mapping, and refers to the science, art and technology
of obtaining reliable measurements and maps from photographs. This is also, the means
for measuring or plotting planimetric, topographic, and other features of the earth through
the use of aerial photographs and ground control.

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Pixel

This acronym stands for Picture Element, the smallest non-divisible image-forming unit
of a plot or video display. Each cell can have assigned attributes, in addition to color. In
raster processing, pixels refer to a single cell within a matrix of grid cells. See Image.

Planimetric Map

Horizontal depiction of map features on a two-dimensional plane without any reference to

contours or topographic relief. Typical features defined within a planimetric map include
such natural and cultural features as streams, roads, shorelines, waterways, building
footprints, reservoirs, bridges, roadways, overpasses, sidewalks and parking lots.

Point

A point is a single X,Y (optionally Z) location in space. It is a dimensionless geometric

feature having no other spatial properties except location. Many different natural and
man-made features are modeled as points in spatial databases including trees, fire
hydrants, poles, building, etc.

Point-In-Polygon

A spatial query that determines which polygon boundary encompasses a specified point.
A typical operation is to select multiple points within a boundary and assign to them an
attribute equal to a characteristic assigned to all areas within the boundary (i.e. soil type)
to the attributes describing the point. As a variation, one or more polygons are selected
and all points within them are likewise assigned new attributes. Process can be extended
to apply to linear features (line-in-polygon) and closed polygons (polygon-in-polygon)
located within or partially within polygons as well.

Polygon

• Closed plane figure bounded by three or more line segments with a nonzero area.
Alternatively, a polygon is a multisided feature that represents an area on a map.
Many different natural and man-made features are typically represented by polygons
in a spatial database including zoning districts, soil types, water bodies, building
footprints, lot boundaries, etc.
• A type spatial query wherein the spatial selection area is a polygon shape rather than a
square, rectangle, or circle.

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Polygon Overlay

• A group of polygons on one or more layers, representing various areas that make up a
particular geographic theme (e.g., soil types, zoning designations, parcels, land use,
etc.)
• Spatial analysis function that uses Boolean logic to combine two sets of polygon
boundaries to create a third that represents an intersection or union of the first two.

Precision

In general, precision refers to how close a measured value matches another measured
value.

1) Degree of exactness with which a quantity is stated (i.e., the number of

significant decimal places in an expressed coordinate value).
2) Can be expressed in terms of "repeatability" of a measurement, i.e., the
likelihood of deriving the same coordinate values from the same mathmatical
calculations.
3) In spatial databses, refers to how many places allocated to the storage of
coordinate information.

Query

A logical search specification finding spatial features with linked records that contain
matching geographic and/or non-graphic attributes. A typical spatial query is the
comparison of XY coordinates of features/records with a user-defined spatial window
(square, rectangle, circle, or multipoint polygon). Conversely, a query can refer when you
ask for various combinations of non-graphic attribute assignments that meet specific
specific conditions (e.g., =, <, >, in a set, etc.; also called “Boolean conditions”).

Raster

• Images containing individual dots with color values, called cells (or pixels), arranged
in a rectangular, evenly spaced array. Aerial photographs and satellite images are
examples of raster images used in mapping. When maps or other documents are
scanned, the result is also a raster.
• Method for storing spatial data that involves assigning a value to each dot in a large
matrix. This method is very useful for modeling continuous phenomena like elevation
of temperature.

Record

• An assemblage of textural data within a DBMS table and/or drawn statement as a

means of preserving knowledge.
• Collected and preserved data describing a particular subject.

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• A row (series of field values) in a database table. In a spatial database, each graphic
feature may be linked to one or more records in one or more tables.
• A collection of fields or other sub-portion of computer file treated as a data unit.

Rectification

Rectification is a set of techniques for removing data errors though calculation or

adjustment. In image processing, computer programs that remove distortion within a
digital image, aerial photography or remotely sensed data by removing parallax errors due
to relief (high ground being closer to the camera than low lying areas), camera tilt, corner
and other distortions.

Relate

Relate means to establish or demonstrate a connection between two or more things. In

spatial analysis, establishing a temporary connection between records in two different
tables using an item common to both. For example, a property identifier on a map can be
used to relate the property to information in an assessing database because the same
identifier appears in the assessor’s database.

Relational Database

This phrase refers to an information storage system in which there is an association

between two or more things organized according to relationships between data items. A
relational database is a collection of tables that are logically associated to each other by
shared common attributes. Entering the table name, attribute name, and the value of the
primary key, any data element or set of elements can be retrieved. A relational database
consists of table rows and columns. Also see DBMS.

Remote Sensing

Using a recording device not in physical contact with the surface being analyzed
including:

1) Using sensors sensitive to various bands of the electromagnetic spectrum.

2) Assessing its spectral image without having the sensor in direct contact with
the surface.
3) Interpreting environmental conditions at, below and above the surface of the
earth, typically by processing images from an aircraft (i.e. aerial photography),
satellite imaging (ie. SPOT), or radar.

Resolution

Fineness of detail that can be distinguished in an image, as on a video display terminal.

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 1) "Display Resolution" The density of the pixels that compose an image (See
Pixels). The greater the number of pixels per square inch of screen, the greater the
resolution. In print, resolution is measured in dots per inch (dpi).
2) "Spatial Resolution" The smallest possible map feature that can be accurately
displayed at a specified map scale. For example, in a 1:24000 scale map, a 50 foot
distance between a roadway and railroad track centerline is one fortieth of an inch.
Since the thinnest pen line width is presumed to be one fortieth of an inch, it is
impossible to accurately represent the alignment of these two centerlines and still
have a visible gap between them. To do this takes a smaller map scale (<
1:24000).

Scale

• Relationship between the dimensions of a feature on a map and the geograhic features
they represent on the earth,
• Commonly expressed as a fraction. For example map scale of 1:24000 means that one
unit of measure on the map equals 24000 of the same unit on the earth (1 inch would
equal 24000 inches = 2000 feet).
• A calibrated line, as on a map or an architectural plan, indicating such a proportion.
• Description of how length in the real world is related to length on a map. This can be
portrayed in a variety of ways including a representational fraction.

Scroll

To cause a spatial display to move vertically or horizontally across the screen so that a
new line of text or graphics appears at one edge of the screen for each line that moves off
the opposite edge.

Spatial analysis

• Methods used to explore the spatial relationships between features both real and
theoretical.
• Process of extracting or creating new information about a set of geographic features;
techniques to determine the distribution of a spatial feature(s); and the relationships
between two or more features, the location of, proximity to, and orientation of these
features in space.
• Study of the locations and shapes of geographic features and the relationships
between them.

Spatial Data

• One of the three kinds of Data (spatial, textural and image). Spatial data is categorized
according to the following feature types:
• Zero dimensional features: Primitive Points; topological Node.

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• One dimensional features: Primitive Lines, Strings (multiple nonbranching lines), arcs
(mathematically defined curve; topological Links, chains, and rings.
• Two dimensional features: Polygons defining enclosed areas, Pixels, and Grid Cells.

Spatial Query

Function that allows a user to find, display, and/or isolate attributes records linked to map
features located within a defined area of interest - window, circle, polygon or trace. Also
see “query”.

SQL

Accronym for Structured Query Language, a computer industry-standard syntax language

for querying and manipulating most relational database management systems (RDBMS).
Commands can be embedded within a programming language to interface to a database or
used interactively.

State Plane Coordinate System

System of X,Y coordinates defined by the USGS for each state. Locations are based on
the distance from an origin point defined for each state.

Survey Control Network

• Graphically defined lattice work of precise control points (monuments) and traverse
alignments reconciled to those monuments, serving as a framework for referencing
the position of all map features in the spatial database, thereby assuring appropriate
precision standards.
• Points with a given horizontal position and surface elevation.
• Used to determine unknown horizontal positions and elevations of locations
elsewhere in the active portion of the spatial database.

Thematic Map

A thematic map is a representation of an area portraying how one or more real features or
theoretical concepts are distributed.

1. Displays a distribution of attributes. Typically a single variable (univariate)

map such as soil or land use. Can also depict ranges of calculated values such
as: Value category (i.e. 10-20% slope); Density (10-20 persons per acre);
Relative suitability scores.
2. Graphic display parameters typically include color assignment, solid fills,
hatch patterns, symbols, and other graphic techniques.
3. Uses information stored in a spreadsheet or database to create map displays
for graphic presentations.

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Tolerance

Tolerance refers to a leeway for variation from a standard. It is also the permissible
deviation from a specified value of a structural dimension, often expressed as a percent.
Tolerance is a parameter for defining a limiting distance for an operation. For example, a
snap tolerance for 2 units apart means that any two endpoints less than 2 units apart will
be moved to at a single point location.

Topographic Feature

Spatial representation of the surface features of a place or region on a map, indicating

their relative positions and elevations.

Topology

Relationships between spatial features including such things as continuity, nearness,

inside vs. outside, etc. Set of defined relationships between links, nodes, and centroids.

1. Polygon Topology - representation of areas and area relationships using links

and enclosed areas.
2. Network Topology - representation of a linear network by links and nodes.

Transportation Network

System of interconnecting nodes and links that represent intersections of roadways,

railroads, transit lines, or other forms of transportation systems. (See Intersection,
Network Routing, Spatial Analysis).

Undershoot

Situation where a digital line does not meet up with its intended boundary line. The
space between the two is called a gap.

Union

A set, every member of which is an element of one or another of two or more given sets. \
The combination of two spatial data sets where the result includes all of the features of
the two inputs.

UNIX

Industry standard operating system (OS) developed as a joint venture between University
of California at Berkeley and the AT&T Bell Laboratories. A multi-user multitasking OS
operates on a wide variety of computer systems from micro to mainframe. Written in the
“C” language, it carries with it C's inherent transportability that enables it to be easily

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ported to many different hardware platforms. In addition to their own proprietary
operating system, many hardware venders offer UNIX as an auxiliary OS further
expediting the free flow of data between multiple hardware platforms.

User Interface

The user interface is software that expedites its intuitive and competent use. It includes
options for command input by computer users rather than typing instructions at the
command line. User interfaces can take on many forms including screen, pull-down and
pop-up menus; icons, dialog buttons, toggles, and pick lists; toolbar buttons; printed
tablet menus and cursor buttons on digitizing (mouse) devices. A user interface may also
include productivity enhancements, error messages, error trapping, on-line help,
MACROS (and their prompts), sample databases, tutorials, manuals, and other
documentation. Also see Interface, On-the-fly, Out-of-the-Box

Vector

Method for storing spatial data involving assigning coordinates for each entity.

1. Mathematical object with precise direction and length but without specific
location. Vector data is stored as XYZ coordinates that describe points,
symbols, lines, areas, and volumes.
2. Method for storing spatial data involving assigning coordinates for each
entity; an X,Y,Z for a point, a pair of such points for a line, a series of such
lines for a polygon, the method is very useful for modeling discrete physical
features.
3. Quantity, such as velocity, completely specified by a magnitude and a
direction.

Viewer

A read-only stand-alone software system that supports the display, manipulation, and
query of spatial databases. Commercial products that enable users reference and analyzed
spatial databases prepared by a full function read-write product within the same product
line. A viewer typically has a user interface simpler than full function products; it
supports a rich command set but less than that available in the full function product.

Window

• Rectangular portion of a larger mapped area selected for display, for example, a
rectangle surrounding Colorado and ignoring other areas in a database covering the
Western U.S.
• The defined outline of a section of an image that can be viewed simultaneously with
other portions of the same or other images.

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• In spatial queries, a type of boundary for creating a selection set of all spatial features
and their linked DBMS records.
• A portion of the graphic user interface that enables you to open, close, resize, or
relocate a rectangular area on the computer screen that is displaying information other
than that being displayed by the spatial database (i.e. DBMS Table, edit, query, report
display screens; documents in a word processor, image in a document management
system).

Zoom

Computer screen function to enlarge (zoom in) or decrease (zoom out) proportionately
the size of the display features shown on the computer screen by rescaling the image.
Zoom is a common term in both CAD and GIS software for changing the scale and or
extents of a viewing area. For example, "zooming in" shows more detail while "zooming
out" shows less detail.

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GIS Glossary – http://www.mass.gov/mgis/GIS_Glossary.pdf 18