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GIS Dictionary

Definitions for GIS terms related to operations such as analysis, GIS modeling and web-based GIS, cartography, and Esri software.

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attribute

1. [data models] Nonspatial information about a geographic feature in a GIS, usually stored in a table and linked to the feature by a unique identifier. For example, attributes of a river might include its name, length, and sediment load at a gauging station.
2. [data models] In raster datasets, information associated with each unique value of a raster cell.
   
3. [graphics (map display)] Information that specifies how features are displayed and labeled on a map; for example, the graphic attributes of a river might include line thickness, line length, color, and font for labeling.
4. [ESRI software] In MOLE, aspatial information about a geographic feature in a GIS, usually stored in a table and linked to the feature by a unique identifier. For example, attributes of a force element might include its name and speed. Most MOLE attributes are what some military specifications refer to as labels or modifiers.