Feature data
Encyclopedia
In geographic information system
s, a feature is an object that can have a geographic location and other properties. Common types of geometries include point
s, arc
s, and polygon
s. Carriageways and cadastre
s are examples of feature data. Features can be labeled
when displayed on a map.
Layer is the traditional term of choice, but use of this term has declined as data has become more object oriented and less concerned with cartographic layering.
Data modelers can use feature types to create a hierarchical structure. For example, a dataset may consist of types called highways, streets and lanes. These types may be grouped together under a category called "Roads".
Geographic Information System
A geographic information system, geographical information science, or geospatial information studies is a system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of geographically referenced data...
s, a feature is an object that can have a geographic location and other properties. Common types of geometries include point
Point (geometry)
In geometry, topology and related branches of mathematics a spatial point is a primitive notion upon which other concepts may be defined. In geometry, points are zero-dimensional; i.e., they do not have volume, area, length, or any other higher-dimensional analogue. In branches of mathematics...
s, arc
Arc (geometry)
In geometry, an arc is a closed segment of a differentiable curve in the two-dimensional plane; for example, a circular arc is a segment of the circumference of a circle...
s, and polygon
Polygon
In geometry a polygon is a flat shape consisting of straight lines that are joined to form a closed chain orcircuit.A polygon is traditionally a plane figure that is bounded by a closed path, composed of a finite sequence of straight line segments...
s. Carriageways and cadastre
Cadastre
A cadastre , using a cadastral survey or cadastral map, is a comprehensive register of the metes-and-bounds real property of a country...
s are examples of feature data. Features can be labeled
Labeling (map design)
Cartographic labeling is a form of typography and strongly deals with form, style, weight and size of type on a map. Essentially, labeling denotes the correct way to label features .- Form :...
when displayed on a map.
Feature types
The definition of features that share membership of a common theme is a feature type, though there are a number of terms for this characteristic, including category, feature class, group, layer, level, object, and theme.Layer is the traditional term of choice, but use of this term has declined as data has become more object oriented and less concerned with cartographic layering.
Data modelers can use feature types to create a hierarchical structure. For example, a dataset may consist of types called highways, streets and lanes. These types may be grouped together under a category called "Roads".