GIS Dictionary

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gradient

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  1. [geodesy] A vector used to determine the maximum amount of vertical change on a surface and the direction in which that change occurs. Can also be expressed as the ratio, or percentage, between vertical distance (rise) and horizontal distance (run). A 10-percent gradient rises 10 feet for every 100 feet of horizontal distance.
  2. [geodesy] The inclination of a surface in a given direction.
  3. [physics] The rate at which a quantity such as temperature or pressure changes in value.
  4. [graphics (map display)] The interpolated transition of thematic color between fixed colors.

See also