Unlock the language of the land with our Geospatial & GIS Glossary. It's an essential tool for homeowners and buyers to understand how geographical data and mapping technologies can reveal in-depth insights about their property's location, from topography to potential solar sites.
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A
Aerial Imagery (): Aerial imagery refers to photographs or digital images of the Earth's surface taken from an elevated perspective, such as from an aircraft or drone, which can provide valuable information for location intelligence reports.
Aerial Mapping (): Aerial mapping is the process of creating detailed maps and images of the Earth's surface using aerial photography, satellite imagery, or remote sensing technology.
Aerial Photography (): Aerial photography is the process of capturing photographs of the ground from an elevated position, typically using an aircraft, drone, or satellite.
Aerial View (): An aerial view is a perspective of an area or object from an elevated position, typically captured by a camera on an aircraft, drone, or satellite.
American Community Survey (ACS) (): The American Community Survey (ACS) is an ongoing survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau that provides detailed information about the social, economic, housing, and demographic characteristics of communities across the United States.
B
Birds-Eye (): A bird's-eye view is an elevated, overhead perspective of an area or object, providing a comprehensive and often simplified view of the subject.
Block Group (): A Block Group is a geographical unit used by the U.S. Census Bureau, consisting of a cluster of census blocks within a census tract, typically containing between 600 and 3,000 people.
Boundary Marker (): A boundary marker is a physical object or feature that indicates the location of a property line or the division between two adjacent properties.
C
Census Block (): A census block is the smallest geographic unit used by the U.S. Census Bureau for tabulating population and housing data.
Census Data (): Census data is demographic, economic, and social information collected by a government about its population, typically every 5 or 10 years.
Census-Designated Place (CDP) (): A Census-Designated Place (CDP) is a concentration of population identified by the U.S. Census Bureau for statistical purposes, which resembles a city or town but lacks a separate municipal government.
Census Tract (): A census tract is a small, relatively permanent statistical subdivision of a county, designed by the U.S. Census Bureau to provide a stable set of geographic units for presenting census data.
Combined Statistical Area (CSA) (): A Combined Statistical Area (CSA) is a geographical region consisting of adjacent metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas that have significant employment interchange.
D
Demographics (): Demographics refer to the statistical characteristics of a population, such as age, gender, income, education, and ethnicity.
Drone Mapping (): Drone mapping is the process of using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to capture high-resolution aerial images and data for creating detailed maps and 3D models of a specific area.
Drone Photography (): Drone photography is the capture of images and videos using a remotely operated unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a camera.
F
FIPS Code (): FIPS codes are unique numeric identifiers assigned to geographic areas, such as states, counties, and cities, by the U.S. Federal Government for statistical purposes.
G
Geodemography (): Geodemography is the study of population characteristics and trends in relation to geographic location, combining demographic and spatial data to understand and predict consumer behavior and market dynamics.
Geographic Information System (GIS) (): A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer-based tool that captures, stores, analyzes, and visualizes geographic data, enabling users to understand and interpret spatial information.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (): Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are computer-based tools used to capture, store, analyze, and visualize geographic data, enabling users to gain insights into spatial relationships and patterns.
Geo Identifier (): A Geo Identifier, in the context of the census, is a unique code assigned to a specific geographic area to facilitate the organization and analysis of census data.
Geospatial Analysis (): Geospatial analysis is the process of examining and interpreting geographic data to understand relationships, patterns, and trends in a spatial context.
H
Historical Data (): Historical data refers to information and records from the past that provide insights into a property's or neighborhood's history, development, and trends over time.
L
Land Survey (): A land survey is a professional assessment of a property's boundaries, features, and topography, typically conducted by a licensed surveyor.
M
Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) (): A Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is a geographical region consisting of a densely populated urban core and its surrounding communities, which are socially and economically integrated with the core.
Micropolitan Area (): A micropolitan area is a geographic region centered around an urban cluster with a population between 10,000 and 50,000 people, providing a measure of the area's economic and social integration.
O
Open Data (): Open Data refers to data that is freely available, easily accessible, and can be used, re-used, and redistributed by anyone without restrictions.
P
Parcel Boundaries (): Parcel boundaries are the legal property lines that define the extent and limits of a specific piece of land or real estate.
Parcel Map (): A parcel map is a detailed map that shows the boundaries and dimensions of individual land parcels within a specific area, along with associated information such as parcel numbers, ownership, and zoning.
Plat Map (): A plat map is a detailed, official map that shows the boundaries and ownership of individual properties within a specific area, typically a subdivision or neighborhood.
Property Boundaries (): Property boundaries are the legal lines that define the extent of a property and separate it from neighboring properties.
Proximity (): Proximity refers to the nearness or distance between a location and various points of interest, amenities, or services.
Q
Qualified Census Tract (QCT) (): A Qualified Census Tract (QCT) is a geographic area designated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) where at least 50% of households have incomes below 60% of the Area Median Gross Income (AMGI) or a poverty rate of 25% or more.
R
Remote Sensing (): Remote sensing is the process of gathering information about the Earth's surface from a distance, typically using satellites or aircraft, to create location intelligence reports and analyze various aspects of the environment.
S
Satellite Imagery (): Satellite imagery refers to photographs of the Earth's surface captured by imaging satellites orbiting the planet, providing detailed visual information about land features, structures, and natural phenomena.
Spatial Arrangement (): Spatial arrangement refers to the physical layout and organization of elements within a given space, such as buildings, streets, and land uses within a neighborhood or city.
Spatial Data (): Spatial data is information that describes the location, shape, and relationships of geographic features on Earth's surface.
Survey (): A land survey is the process of measuring, mapping, and documenting the boundaries, features, and topography of a specific parcel of land.
U
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) (): An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone, is an aircraft that operates without a human pilot onboard, often used for capturing aerial imagery and data for location intelligence reports.
Urban Informatics (): Urban informatics is the study and application of data and technology to understand, analyze, and optimize urban systems and processes to improve the quality of life in cities.
V
Vegetation indices (): Vegetation indices are measures derived from satellite or aerial imagery that indicate the presence, health, and density of vegetation in a given area.
Z
ZIP Code (): A ZIP Code is a postal code used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to efficiently sort and deliver mail to specific geographic areas.
