An abstract technical description of a system or collection of systems. Modern software architectures employ interoperability interfaces to enable enterprises and whole industries to establish coherent, flexible, integrated information flows that can be implemented with heterogeneous but intercommunicating software systems. The OpenGIS Specification defines the interoperability interfaces that make it possible to include geographic information in these information flows. Conceptually based, architecture does not contain the level of detail needed for construction

[software] ArcGlobe is a global three-dimensional visualization and analysis environment as part of the Esri ArcGIS suite (3D analyst), specializing in global datasets and larger study areas.

[ESRI software] A Web service processed and executed from within an ArcGIS server. Each Web service has a distinct HTTP location (URL). Web access is enabled by default for all ArcGIS Server services, but can be turned off by an administrator.

[software] ArcCatalog is an application in the ArcGIS suite used to manage geographic data – similar to windows file explorer.

An ordered string of vertices (x, y coordinate pairs) that begin at one location and end at another. Connecting the arc’s vertices creates a line. The vertices at each endpoint of an arc called nodes.

OWS Services operating on user devices or servers that have network connectivity. Users use Application Services to access Registry, Portrayal, Processing and Data Services. Application Services commonly, but not necessarily, provide user-oriented displays of geospatial content and support user interaction at the user terminal.

An interface definition that permits invoking services from application programs without knowing details of their internal implementation.

A program (software) or web mapping service designed to perform a specific task. Examples include word processing software, database programs, and mapping tools.

GIS applications can be used to solve problems, automate tasks, and generate information within a specific field of interest. They can also be used to search, analyze, and map data to answer particular questions.

[programming] Acronym for application programming interface. A set of interfaces, methods, protocols, and tools that application developers use to build or customize a software program. APIs make it easier to develop a program by providing building blocks of prewritten, tested, and documented code that are incorporated into the new program. APIs can be built for any programming language.

Text on a drawing or map associated with graphic entities.

Height where the chosen reference surface is mean sea level.

Direction in which the sensor platform moves.
 

The process of combining smaller spatial units, and the data they contain, into larger spatial units by dissolving common boundaries and lumping the data together.