Glossary of Terms
"GIS"
GIS, or geographic information system, is a computer-based system that analyzes and presents spatial data.
Geographic information systems are utilized in multiple technologies, processes, techniques and methods. It is an important part of a wide variety of operations and numerous applications that related to engineering, planning, management, transportation/logistics, insurance, telecommunications and general business. For this reason, GIS and location intelligence applications are the foundation of location-enabled services, which rely on geographic analysis and visualization.
"PhotoGrammetry"
Photogrammetry is the science of — and technology used in — obtaining reliable information about physical objects and the environment through the process of recording, measuring and interpreting photographic images and patterns of electromagnetic radiant imagery and other phenomena.
"OrthoGraphic Survey"
Spatial data digitized from aerial photograpy.
Surveyed analytically from the orthophoto, to update a geographic information system (GIS) database.
The advantages and accuracy of OrthoGraphic Survey are well suited for GIS applications, and considered to be a replacement for photogrammetry.
"Orthophoto"
An orthophoto, orthophotograph or orthoimage is an aerial photograph or satellite imagery geometrically corrected (“orthorectified”) to ensure the scale is uniform. The photo or image follows a given map projection. Unlike an uncorrected aerial photo, and orthophoto can be used to measure true distances, because it is an accurate representation of the Earth’s surface, having been adjusted for topographic relief, lens distortion and camera tilt.
"Datum "
A geodetic datum or geodetic system (AKA geodetic reference datum or geodetic reference system) is a coordinate system that uses a set of reference points to locate places on the Earth (or similar objects).
"Map Projection"
In cartography, a map projection is a way to flatten a globe’s surface into a plane in order to make a map. This requires a systematic transformation of the latitudes and longitudes of locations from the surface of the globe into locations on a plane. All projections of a sphere onto a plane must distort the surface in some fashion. Depending on the purpose of the map, some distortions are acceptable and others are not; therefore, different map projections exist in order to preserve some properties of the sphere-like body at the expense of other properties. The study of map projections is the characterization of the distortions. There is no limit to the number of possible map projects.
"Triangulation "
In surveying, triangulation is the process of determining the location of a point by measuring only angles to that point from other known points at either end of a fixed baseline, rather than measuring distances to the point direction as in trilateration. The point can then be fixed as the third point of a triangle with one known side and two known angles.
"Calibration "
In measurement technology and metrology, calibration is the comparison of measurement values delivered by a device being tested with those of a calibration standard of known accuracy. Such a standard could be another measurement device of known accuracy, a device generating the quantity to be measured (such as a voltage), a sound tone or a physical artifact (such as a ruler).
"3D Modeling"
In 3D computer graphics, 3D modeling is the process of developing a mathematical representation of any surface of an object (inanimate or living) in three dimensions via specialized software. The product is called a 3D model. Someone who works with 3D models may be referred to as a 3D artist or a 3D modeler. It can be displayed as a two-dimensional image through a process called 3D rendering, or it can be used in a computer simulation of physical phenomena. The model can also be physically created using 3D printing devices. In terms of game development, 3D modeling is merely a stage in the entire development process.
"GPS"
The Global Positioning System, or GPS ( originally called NAVSTAR GPS), is a satellite-based radionavigation system owned by the United States government and operated by the United States Space Force. It is one of the global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) that provides geolocation and time information to a GPS receiver anywhere on or near the Earth — as long as there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites. Obstacles such as mountains and buildings block the relatively weak GPS signals.
"Topographical Maps"
Topography concerns the shape and character of the Earth’s surface, and topographical maps were among the first artifacts to record these observations. In modern mapping, a topographical map or topographic sheet is a type of map characterized by large-scale detail and quantitative representation of relief, usually using contour lines (connecting points of equal elevation), but historically there have been a variety of methods. Traditional definitions require a topographical map to show both natural and artificial features. A topographic survey is typically based upon systematic observation and published as a map series that is made up of two or more map sheets that combine to form the whole map. A topographical map series uses a common specification that includes the range of cartographic symbols employed, as well as a standard geodetic framework that defines the map projection, coordinate system, ellipsoid and geodetic datum. Official topographical maps also adopt a national grid referencing system.
"Raster Graphics "
In computer graphics and digital photography, a raster graphic or bitmap image is a dot matrix data structure that represents a generally rectangular grid of pixels (points of color), viewable via a bitmapped display (monitor), paper or other display medium. Raster images are stored in image files with varying dissemination, production, generation and acquisition formats.
"Survey "
Surveying, or land surveying, is the technique, profession, art and science of determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional positions of points and the distances and angles between them. A land surveying professional is called a land surveyor. These points are usually on the surface of the Earth, and they are often used to establish maps and boundaries for ownership, locations (such as the designed positions of structural components for construction or the surface location of subsurface features), or other purpose required by government or civil law (such as property sales).
Surveyors work with elements of geometry, trigonometry, regression analysis, physics, engineering, metrology, programming languages and the law. They use equipment such as total stations, robotic total stations, theodolites, GNSS receivers, retroflectors, 3D scanners, radios, inclinometers, handheld tablets, digital levels, subsurface locators, drones, GIS and surveying software.
"Vector Map"
The vector map (VMAP), also called Vector Smart Map, is a vector-based collection of geographic information system (GIS) data about Earth at various levels of detail. Level 0 (low resolution) coverage is global and entirely in the public domain. Level 1 (global coverage at medium resolution) is only partly in the public domain.
"cadastre "
A cadastre (also spelled cadaster) is a comprehensive land recording of the real estate or real property’s metes-and-bounds of a country.
"Polygon "
In geometry, a polygon is a plane figure that is described by a finite number of straight-line segments connected to form a closed polygonal chain or polygonal circuit. The solid plane region, the bounding circuit, or the two together may be called a polygon.
"Pixel"
In digital imaging, a pixel, pel, or picture element is a physical point in a raster image — or the smallest addressable element in an all-points-addressable display device. Essentially, it is the smallest controllable element of a picture represented on the screen.
"Mean sea level"
Mean sea level (MSL), often simply called sea level, is an average level of the surface of one or more of Earth’s bodies of water from which heights such as elevation may be measured. The global MSL is a type of vertical datum (a standardized geodetic datum) that is used, for example, as a chart datum in cartography and marine navigation. It’s also used in aviation as the standard sea level at which atmospheric pressure is measured to calibrate altitude and, consequently, aircraft flight levels. A common and relatively straightforward mean sea level standard is instead the midpoint between a mean low and a mean high tide at a particular location.
"Coordinate System"
In geometry, a coordinate system is a system that uses one or more numbers, or coordinates, to uniquely determine the position of the points or other geometric elements on a manifold such as Euclidean space. The order of the coordinates is significant, and they are sometimes identified by their position in an ordered tuple and sometimes by a letter, as in “the X coordinate.” The coordinates are taken to be real numbers in elementary mathematics, but may be complex numbers or elements of a more abstract system such as a commutative ring. The use of a coordinate system allows problems in geometry to be translated into problems about numbers and vice versa — this is the basis of analytic geometry.
"Longitude "
Longitude is a geographic coordinate that specifies the east/west position of a point on the Earth’s surface, or the surface of a celestial body. It is an angular measurement, usually expressed in degrees and denoted by the Greek letter lambda (λ). Meridians (lines running from pole to pole) connect points with the same longitude. The Prime Meridian, which passes near the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, England, is defined as 0˚ longitude by convention. Positive longitudes are east of the Prime Meridian, and negative longitudes are West.
"Latitude "
In geography, latitude is a geographic coordinate that specifies the north/south position of a point on the Earth’s surface. Latitude is an angle (defined below) which ranges from 0˚ at the Equator to 90˚ (north or south) at the poles. Lines of constant latitude, or parallels, run east/west as circles parallel to the equator. Latitude is used together with longitude to specify the precise location of features on the surface of the Earth. On its own, the term latitude should be taken to be the geodetic latitude as defined below. Briefly, geodetic latitude at a point is the angle formed by the vector perpendicular (or normal) to the ellipsoidal surface from that point and the equatorial plane. Also defined are six auxiliary latitudes that are used in special applications.
"Earth's Equator"
Earth’s Equator (spelled with a capital E) is a specific case of a planetary equator. It is about 40,075 km (24,901 mi) long, of which 78.8% lies across water and 21.3% over land.
In spatial (3D) geometry, as applied in astronomy, the equator of a rotating spheroid (such as a planet) is the parallel (circle of latitude) at which latitude is defined to be 0˚. It is the imaginary line on the spheroid, equidistant from its poles, dividing it into northern and southern hemispheres. In other words, it is the intersection of the spheroid with the plane perpendicular to its axis of rotation and midway between its geographical poles.
"Land Use"
Land use involves the management and modification of natural environment or wilderness into built environments such as settlements and semi-natural habitats such as arable fields, pastures and managed woods. Land use by humans has a long history, first emerging more than 10,000 years ago. It also has been defined as the total of arrangements, activities and inputs that people undertake in a certain land type.
"Israeli Transverse Mercator "
Israeli Transverse Mercator (ITM) is the new geographic coordinate system for Israel. The name is derived from the Transverse Mercator projection it uses and the fact that it is optimized for Israel. ITM has replaced the old coordinate system ICS. This coordinate system is sometimes also referred to as the New Israeli Grid. It has been in use since January 1, 1994.
"Aerial Photography
Aerial photography, or airborne imagery, is the taking of photographs from an aircraft or other flying object. Platforms for aerial photography include fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones), balloons, blimps and dirigibles, rockets, pigeons, kites, parachutes, stand-alone telescoping, and vehicle-mounted poles. Mounted cameras may be triggered remotely or automatically; handheld photographs may be taken by a photographer.
"Unmanned Aerial Vehicle"
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), or uncrewed aerial vehicle (commonly known as a drone), is an aircraft without a human pilot on board. UAVs are a component of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), which include a UAV, a ground-based controller, and a system of communications between the two. The flight of UAVs may operate with various degrees of autonomy, either under remote control by a human operator or autonomously by onboard computers (referred to as an autopilot).
"Aerial Survey"
Aerial survey is a method of collecting geomatics or other imagery by using airplanes, helicopters, UAVs, balloons or other aerial methods. Typical types of data collected include aerial photography, LiDAR, remote sensing (using various visible and invisible bands of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as infrared, gamma or ultraviolet), as well as geophysical data (such as aeromagnetic surveys and gravity). It can also refer to the chart or map made by analyzing a region from the air. Aerial survey should be distinguished from satellite imagery technologies because o its better resolution, quality and atmospheric conditions (which can negatively impact and obscure satellite observation). Today, aerial survey is sometimes recognized as a synonym for aerophotogrammetry, the part of photogrammetry where the camera is placed in the air. Measurements on aerial images are provided by photogrammetric technologies and methods.
"Geography "
Geography, from the Greek geographia, is a field of science devoted to the study of the lands, features, inhabitants and phenomena of the Earth and planets. The first person to use the word was Eratosthenes (276–194 BC). Geography is an all-encompassing discipline that seeks an understanding of Earth and its human and natural complexities — not merely where objects are, but also how they have changed and come to be.
"Urban Planning"
Urban planning is also referred to as urban and regional planning, regional planning, town planning, city planning, rural planning, urban development, physical planning, urban management or a similar combination in various areas worldwide.
"BIM"
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the foundation of digital transformation in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. As the leader in BIM, Autodesk is the industry's partner to realize better ways of working and better outcomes for business and the built world.
"Data
Data is the characteristics or information — usually numerical — that are collected through observation. In a more technical sense, data is a set of values of qualitative or quantitative variables about one or more persons or objects, while a datum (singular of data) is a single value of a single variable.
"Big Data"
Big data is a field that treats ways to analyze, systematically extract information from, or otherwise deal with data sets that are too large or complex to be dealt with by traditional data-processing application software. Data with many fields (columns) offer greater statistical power, while data with higher complexity (more attributes or columns) may lead to a higher false discovery rate.
Big data analysis challenges include capturing data, data storage, data analysis, search, sharing, transfer, visualization, querying, updating, information privacy, and data source. Big data was originally associated with three key concepts: volume, variety, and velocity.
The analysis of big data presents challenges in sampling, and thus previously allowing for only observations and sampling. Therefore, big data often includes data with sizes that exceed the capacity of traditional software to process within an acceptable time and value.
