G

Geodatabase

An object-oriented geographic database that provides services for managing geographic data. These services include validation rules, relationships, and topological associations. A geodatabase contains feature datasets and is hosted inside of a relational database management system.

Geographic Data

The locations and descriptions of geographic features. The composite of spatial data and descriptive data.

Geometric Network

1. A one-dimensional nonplanar graph, or logical network, that is composed of features. These features are constrained to exist within the network and can therefore be considered network features. ArcInfo automatically maintains the explicit topological relationships between network features in a geometric network.

2. Represents a one-dimensional linear network, such as a utility network or a road network. Geometric networks contain feature classes that play a topological role in the network. These feature classes are homogeneous collections of one of these four network feature types: simple junction feature, complex junction feature, simple edge feature, and/or complex edge feature. More than one feature class can have the same type of network feature.

Geometry

Geometry deals with the measures and properties of points, lines, and surfaces. In ArcGIS, geometry is used to represent the spatial component of geographic features.

GIS

Geographic information system. An organized collection of computer hardware, software, geographic data, and personnel designed to efficiently capture, store, update, manipulate, analyze, and display all forms of geographically referenced information.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

A system of satellites and receiving devices used to compute positions on the Earth. GPS is used in navigation, and its precision supports cadastral surveying.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

A graphical method of controlling how a user interacts with a computer to perform various tasks. Instead of issuing commands at a prompt, the user performs desired tasks by using a mouse to choose from 'a dashboard' of options presented on the display screen. These are in the form of pictorial buttons (icons) and lists. Some GUI tools are dynamic and the user must manipulate a graphical object on the screen to invoke a function; for example, moving a slider bar to set a parameter value (e.g., setting the scale of a map).

Group Layer

Several layers that appear and act like an individual layer in the Table of Contents in ArcMap.