A to Z GIS | Explore this related guide, featuring updated terms and graphics and developed in coordination with Esri’s GIS Dictionary team.
Learn more about A to Z GIS
GIS Dictionary
Browse dictionary
encoding
URL copiedShare URL
[data conversion]
The recording or reformatting of data into a digital format. Data may be encoded to reduce storage, increase security, or to transfer it between systems using different file formats. In GIS, analog graphic data, such as paper maps and images, is encoded into digital formats by scanning or digitizing.