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Glossary

.layer file

Layer definition file. In AutoCAD Map 3D, a file that saves all of the information
needed to recreate a layer, that is, the references to the source data and the styles
that have been applied to it.

adjacent sheet block

An annotation block used to indicate adjacent tiles.

annotation

Text and graphics used to dynamically label objects in a drawing.

annotation definitions

Specially created blockscontaining attributes with Map expression assigned to the

attribute properties. Used with drawing data.

as-built

Data that depicts the final installed configuration (physical or functional). As-built
data incorporates any field markups on the original construction drawings.

as-designed

Data that depicts the original plan for construction or installation, for example, the
design for a new electric service or a new pipe installation.

aspect

Direction of ground slope.

attributes or attribute data

Tabular data that describes the characteristics of features or drawing objects, for
example, the number of lanes and pavement-type belonging to a road. For
features, attributes can be stored with the geometry, or stored in a database and
joined to feature data. For drawing objects, attributes are stored in a database and
 linked to selected drawing objects. See also property, external data and object
data.

auto-generated field (metadata)

A type of field in the Metadata feature, the value of which is derived from the
data source, and populated automatically by AutoCAD Map 3D. Metadata auto-
generation is triggered by selecting the resource in the Metadata Viewer. See also:
forced-update field

AutoCAD layer

A layer in AutoCAD. An AutoCAD layer differs from a map layer you create in
Display Manager. See also layer, drawing layer, feature layer, orsurface layer.

Autodesk Design Review

The free viewer and editor for the DWF file format (formerly DWF Viewer).

azimuth

A clockwise angle measured from a reference meridian. Also known as north

azimuth. It can range from 0 to 360 degrees. A negative azimuth is converted to a
clockwise value.

bearing

An angle measured from North or South, whichever is nearest, with the added
designation of East or West. The angle is always less than 90 degrees (PI/2
radians or 100 grads) and is usually referenced by a quadrant number.

best route analysis

Calculates the shortest path or optimal route from a start point in a drawing, one
or more intermediate points, and back to the start point. For example, the best
route to follow on a street map when visiting multiple customer sites.

blocks

In AutoCAD or AutoCAD Map 3D, compound objects that have been saved for
reuse in the drawing or in multiple drawings, for example, a North arrow. In
MapGuide Studio, blocks are converted into symbols when they are loaded. See
also symbol.

buffer
 A zone of a specific radius created around a selected feature. Used to select
features within a specific distance of another feature. In AutoCAD Map 3D, you
can define buffers for drawing topologies and for features, but you define them
differently.

buffer fence

A fence, or line, at a specified distance from a center line. Used to define a

selection boundary.

bulge

For contours that contain curves, the bulge value is a maximum mid-ordinate
distance along a polyline curve. If the mid-ordinate distance is longer than
specified, then points are added to better define the shape of the curve.

The bulge factor can add more vertices to a polyline curve, making it appear more
curve-like. The smaller the value, the more vertices are added.

Cartesian coordinate system

A global coordinate systemdefined using three perpendicular axes (X, Y, and Z)

to specify locations in three-dimensional space. Compare with spherical
coordinate system.

cartographic coordinate system

A global coordinate system that is referenced directly to an ellipsoid. Compare

with geodetic coordinate system.

centroids

Points or blocks that are part of a polygon in a drawing topology. The centroid
holds information about the polygon’s area and perimeter.

chained join

An advanced type of join, where two or more secondary tables are joined to a
primary table in a chain-like fashion, that is primary linked to secondary linked to
another secondary and so on.

class

See feature class and object class.

classified DWG
 An AutoCAD Map 3D DWG (drawing) file that contains object classes, and uses
them to represent real-world objects in the drawing. A DWG file that contains
object class definitions, but does not have any objects to which these definitions
are applied, is not considered a classified DWG.

clustered nodes

Nodes within a specified tolerance of one another.

COGO

Short for Coordinate Geometry. COGO inquiry commands extract geometric

information from drawing objects such as lines, curves, closed polylines, and
polygons. This information is useful if you want to verify the accuracy of your
data, or send the data to the field. Inquiry commands are specific to drawing
objects. They don’t work on features.

column

A specific category of information in a table, such as Address or Diameter, also

called a field. See also table.

compound element (metadata)

A group of data elements in the FGDC Standard. A compound element can

consist of individual data elements, other compound elements, or both.

conformal projection, conformality

Conformal projections maintain local angles. A map projection is conformal when

the scale is the same in every direction at any point. Meridians and parallels
intersect at right angles; the shape of small areas and angles with very short sides
are preserved. Most larger area sizes are distorted.

conic projection

A map projection in which the earth’s surface is drawn as it would appear if

projected on a cone wrapped around the earth. The Lambert Conformal Conic is
often used for maps of the continental United States, France, and other countries.

constraint

In a database, a restriction specified for a certain feature class, which is validated

when a new feature is added to that class. For example, a "minor road" feature
class may have a constraint that specifies that the speed attribute must always be
25, 30, or 50 miles per hour.
continuous data

Data that can fall anywhere in a broad range. When creating a theme, continuous
data is usually organized into smaller ranges that show data trends. For example,
property value is continuous data that can be placed into the ranges 0 to $50,000,
$50,000 to $100,000, and over $100,000, with each range displayed in a different
color. Compare with discrete data.

contour lines

A line that connects points of the same elevation or value relative to a specified
reference datum. The lines can help you determine the elevation at a specific
location on a surface, help clarify and analyze the 3D surface terrain, and help
with things like navigation.

control points

Locations with established latitude and longitude, and often elevation, used for
accuracy and precise location of maps. A system of geodetic control points covers
the entire United States. Similar systems exist for all countries, such as Bench
Marks and Trigonometry Points in the United Kingdom. See also monuments,
geodetic coordinate system.

coordinate geometry commands

See COGO.

coordinate system

See global coordinate system.

credentials

The user ID and password needed to connect to a database.

cylindrical projection

A map projection, in which the earths surface is drawn as it would appear if

projected on a cylinder wrapped around the earth in a north-south direction.
Compare with transverse cylindrical projection. See also Mercator projection and
conic projection.

dangle

A link or line, one end of which lacks a connection to another link or node.
Data Connect

The window you use to connect a geospatial data storeto your map. You specify
each feature class from that data store to add to your map.

data element (metadata)

A single piece of data that can be entered directly, as a value in a field. In the
Metadata feature, single data elements are expressed as fields to be completed
with values defined in the FGDC standard. See also: compound element.

data provider

A recognized FDO feature source provider, used to connect to geospatial data.

data source

A UDL (universal data link) file that points to a collection of data and provides
information on how to access the data.

data store

In FDO, a collection of feature classescontained in a single storage location. The

data store consists of an integrated set of objects, which are modeled by classes or
feature classes defined within one or more schemas. Data stores can be either file-
based, such as SDF, or a database, such as Oracle Spatial. See also FDO provider.

Data Table

In AutoCAD Map 3D, the FDO-based grid that allows you to view and edit
attributes of selected map features, perform searches, and work with selection
sets.

database query

A set of conditions for specifying the selection of records from a database.

External database queries, also called views, are created using your database
software and can be run from the Map Explorer tab of the Task Pane. See also
map query.

datum

A mathematical model that provides a smooth approximation of the earths

surface. Each datum includes both an ellipsoid, which specifies the size and shape
of the earth, and a base point for latitude and longitude. If two maps use different
 datums, points on the map may not line up. Also called a geodetic coordinate
system.

DEM

Digital Elevation Model. A file that contains a representation of surface terrain.

The surface is stored as a grid in which each cell can have any one of several
different meanings, such as elevation, color, density, and so on.

digitize

To convert existing data from paper maps, aerial photos, or raster images into
digital form by tracing the maps on a digitizer. Object locations are recorded as
X,Y coordinates.

discrete data

Data that falls into explicit categories. For a feature layer that uses a theme, each
value is displayed differently. For example, an agricultural thematic map might
show each crop in a different color. Compare with continuous data.

display information

A description of the appearance of a drawing object: includes items such as layer,

color, hatch pattern, and line type.

Display Manager

A view of the Task Pane that shows the Display Manager layers in your current
display map, and has commands for styling and managing those layers. To view
Display Manager, select its tab in the Task Pane.

Display Manager layer

A set of objects in Display Manager. The set could be all the objects on a layer or
in a feature class, or objects that share a certain property. Each layer can be
stylized or themed individually.

display map

A set of map presentations, consisting of Display Manager layers, that can be

stored in a DWG file.

display properties

Same as display information.

dissolve

To remove the boundaries that exist between polygons sharing a specific attribute.

dither

To use a pattern of solid dots to simulate more colors than are actually available
when displaying images.

domain (metadata)

In the Metadata feature, the domain refers to element values that are defined as
valid within the FGDC Standard. A domain can be a list of pre-defined values in a
menu, a range of numbers, free-form text, or any other type of value that can be
assigned to a given field.

dot variable

Variable that refers to an object property. It consists of a period (.) followed by

the variable name for that property. Dot variables can be entered in expressions
used for building a template file for Report mode queries and for property
alteration. See also query and expression.

draping

The process of overlaying featuresor a raster image on a surface so that the

features or the image reflect the underlying terrain.

draping

The process of overlaying a set of features or a raster image on a surface so that

the features or the image reflect the underlying terrain.

drawing layer

A layer in Display Manager that contains drawing objects from a DWG file. See
also AutoCAD layer, feature layer, layer, surface layer.

drawing layerdrawing source

A layer in Display Manager that contains drawing objects from a DWG file. See
also AutoCAD layer, drawing layer,feature layer, andsurface layer.

In AutoCAD Map 3D, a drawing source is a drawing (DWG) file and also its
associated information, such as attached drawing files, drawing-based feature
classes, linked template data, and topologies.
drawing objects

Objects that exist in a drawing file (DWG) or come from an attached drawing.
Compare to features.

drawing set

The set of source drawings attached to a drawing.

drawing source

In AutoCAD Map 3D, a drawing source is a drawing (DWG) file and also its
associated information, such as attached drawing files, drawing-based feature
classes, linked template data, and topologies. Compare with feature source.

drive alias

The mechanism that points to the folder where attached DWG files are stored.

drive alias

In AutoCAD Map 3D, the mechanism that points to the folder where attached
DWG files are stored.

DTED

Digital Terrain Elevation Data.

duplicate objects

Objects that share the same start and end points. Object types that can be
considered duplicate include linear objects, points, blocks, text, and mtext.

DWF

An Autodesk file format for sharing 2D, 3D, and spatially-enabled design data.
DWF files are easy to publish and view on the Web. See also georeferenced
DWF, Design Review.

DWG

Drawing file. The Autodesk file format for storing 2D, 3D, and spatially-enabled
design data.

edge matching
 A DWG cleanup function available in AutoCAD Map 3D that allows for
distortion between adjacent maps, and produces a true match of drawing objects
at the edges of maps.

EditSet

When users decide to lock objects in Oracle Spatial, those objects are
immediately locked. Edits of locked objects are put into an EditSet. You can then
update the database, which updates the locked records with the contents of the
EditSet.

element (Oracle Spatial database)

The basic building block of an Oracle Spatial geometry (Oracle Spatial database).
The supported spatial element types are points, line strings, and polygons. For
example, elements might model water wells (point clusters), roads (line strings),
and county boundaries (polygons).

elevation

The vertical distance from a datum to a point or object on the Earth's surface. The
datum is generally considered to be at sea level. Equivalent to the Z coordinate in
an XYZ coordinate system.

ellipsoid

An approximation of the earth’s shape that does not account for variations caused
by the nonuniform density of the earth. Synonymous with spheroid. See also
geoid.

equal area

A map projection in which every part, as well as the whole, has the same area as
the corresponding part on the earth, at the same reduced scale. No flat map can be
equal area and represent true shape.

equidistant projections

Projections showing true distances only from the center of the projection or along
a special set of lines. No flat map can be both equidistant and equal area.

exaggeration

See vertical exaggeration.

expression
 An automatic calculation used to specify values for URL, tooltip, and feature
labels. For example, you might create a text expression that specifies a state name
and population for a label. To express the population in millions, you might apply
a number expression that divides the population value by 1,000,000.

expression evaluator

The mechanism that analyzes the statement you enter in the Expression box in the
Output Report Options dialog box or the Property Alteration dialog box.

external data

Attribute data linked to a drawing object but contained in a database apart from
the drawing file. See also attributes or attribute data and object data.

FDO

Feature Data Objects. An Autodesk software standard and general purpose API
for accessing features and geospatial data regardless of the underlying data store.
See also features, feature class.

FDO provider

An implementation of the FDO API that provides access to data in a particular

data store, such as an Oracle or ArcSDE database, or to a file-based data store,
such as SDF or SHP.

feature class

For feature data, a schema element that describes a type of real-world object. It
includes a class name and property definitions. Commonly used to refer to a set of
features of a particular class, for example, the feature class "roads" or the feature
class "hydrants." See also FDO, property, schema.

Feature Data Objects

See FDO.

feature layer

A layer in Display Manager containing features from a feature source such as

SDF, ESRI SHP, or ArcSDE. Feature layers are brought in using Data Connect.
See also AutoCAD layer, layer, drawing layer, orsurface layer.

feature source
 In AutoCAD Map 3D, any source of feature data that has been connected by
means of FDO. In MapGuide Studio, one of the two types of resources created
either by loading file-based data or by connecting to a spatial database. Feature
sources are stored in the repository either in SDF 3 format or as database
connections and contain raw geometry only. Compare with drawing source.

feature(s)

An abstraction of a natural or man-made real world object. A spatial feature has

one or more geometric properties. For example, a road feature might be
represented by a line, and a hydrant might be represented by a point. A non-
spatial feature does not have geometry, but can be related to a spatial feature that
does. For example, a road feature may contain a sidewalk feature that is defined
as not containing any geometry. In AutoCAD Map 3D, features are accessed and
added to maps using Data Connect (FDO). See also attributes or attribute data.
Compare to drawing objects.

FGDC CSDGM Standard

Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata. A standard XML schema for
publishing and sharing GIS metadata , released by the United States Federal
Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) in 1998. The schema is comprised of seven
major sections, each of which contains several individual data elements and
compound elements. Depending upon the nature of the GIS data, each section,
element, and compound element is mandatory, optional, or conditional
(mandatory if applicable).

field

A specific category of information in a data file, such as Address or Diameter.

Also called a column. See also table.

filtered record

A record that matches the conditions of an SQL filter or spatial filter and is
therefore available for selection.

flood trace

For a network topology, a trace that begins at a specified point and traces out in
all directions for a specified distance or resistance.

forced-update field

A type of auto-generated field in the Metadata feature, the value of which is

required to be derived from the data source within a GIS resource, according to
 the rules of the FGDC Standard. Forced-update fields are updated each time
metadata is updated.

generalization

A method of reducing the number of vertices in the source data by a specific

percentage.

geodetic coordinate system

A coordinate system that is referenced directly to a datum. Compare with

cartographic coordinate system.

geographic analysis

Analytical techniques that identify existing conditions of a geographic location, a

spatial area, or a linear network, and predict the effects of certain future events on
these features.

geographic data

Information about geographic features. See features.

geoid

An ellipsoid with a highly irregular surface used to describe the shape of the
earth. See also ellipsoid.

geometry (Oracle Spatial database)

The representation of a spatial feature, modeled as an ordered set of primitive

elements.

geometry mapping

The process of transforming the geometry elements of AutoCAD Map 3D objects

to Oracle Spatial geometry, and transforming the geometry elements of the
records back to AutoCAD Map 3D objects.

georeferenced DWF

A DWF file published by AutoCAD Map 3D or AutoCAD Civil 3D 2008 that

contains a global coordinate system and defined latitude and longitude
coordinates based on the WGS84 datum. See also DWF, Design Review.

georeferenced image
 An image that references real-world coordinates in its correlation source.
Example: Georeferenced images include GeoSPOT, GeoTIFF, and images that
use world files as their correlation source.

GeoTIFF

A type of tagged image file format (TIFF) that supports georeferencing

information.

GIS (Geographic Information System)

A computerized decision support system that integrates geographic data, attribute

data, and other spatially-referenced data. A GIS is used to capture, store, retrieve,
analyze, and display spatial data.

global coordinate system

A method that converts the earth’s spherical coordinates representing latitude and
longitude into an AutoCAD Map 3D drawings Cartesian coordinate system, and
accounts for the curvature of the earths surface with a projection. A coordinate
system is usually defined by a projection, an ellipsoid definition, a datum
definition, one or more standard parallels, and a central meridian.

grid surface

See surface.

hatch

A regular pattern used to fill an area with a series of cross-angled lines.

hillshading

The addition of shading to a surface to suggest three-dimensionality, shadow, or

degrees of light and dark. Hillshading adds shading by casting the sun's light
across a surface from the direction and angle you specify.

inner join

A type of join where records in the primary table are displayed only if there is a
matching record in the joined secondary table. See also join, left outer join.

intersection (expression)

Two or more conditions joined with the logical operator And. An item is selected
only if the item meets all specified conditions. Compare with union.
intersection (geometry)

The location where one line, surface, or solid crosses another so as to have one or
more points in common.

join

A relationship that is established between attribute data and feature sources for the
purposes of creating a new view of the data or for ad-hoc analysis.

JPG2000

An advanced raster image format from Joint Photographics Expert Group,

featuring options for lossless compression, wavelet compression, incremental
decompression, and support for up to 48-bit color.

key column

One or more columns in a table whose values are used to uniquely identify a
record. To provide useful links, a key column should contain a unique value for
each record. Also called a key field.

key value

A value stored on an object that specifies that value to match in the key field of a
table.

key view

In a map book, an overview of the entire map with the current tile boundaries
displayed.

label

Text placed on or near a map feature that describes or identifies it.

latitude

The first part of a spherical coordinate system used to record positions on the
earths surface. Latitude indicates the angular distance north or south of the
equator. See also longitude.

layer

A resource that references a feature source or a drawing source. The layer

contains styling and theming information, and optionally a collection of scale
 ranges. You add a layer to your map using Display Manager. Specific types of
layers are drawing layer, feature layer, andsurface layer.

layout template

In a map book, a named composition of viewports and annotation in paperspace.

It includes the intended paper size and output scale for plotting and publishing.
See also map book template.

left outer join

A type of join where all records in the primary table are displayed, whether or not
they have a matching record in the joined, secondary table.

LIDAR

LIght Detection And Ranging. A remote-sensing method that can be used to

generate an image of a surface.

link (external databases)

The connection between a drawing object and its related database data. The link
data is stored on the linked drawing object and contains the name of the link
template and the key value used to identify the associated record in the linked
table. An object may have more than one link.

link (geometry)

An element of geometry that connects nodes. In a polygon topology, a link

defines a polygon edge. Links can contain vertices and true arcs, and can be
represented as a line, polyline, or arc. See also node.

link template

A data structure that contains the path information to a database table and
specifies one or more key fields in that table.

lock

To make all or part of a disk file read-only so that it cannot be modified by other
users on a network. Object locking applies to objects that are being edited by
another user. File locking applies to entire files, for example when an AutoCAD
user wants to open a file while the file is being edited in AutoCAD Map 3D.

logical operator
 A symbol such as And, Or, Not, =, >, >=, <, and <= used to define logical
relationships.

long transaction

Transactions that extend over hours, days, or months, unlike the more typical
database transactions that last for only seconds. Long transactions support
atomicity, consistency, and durability, and can be committed or rolled back.

longitude

The second part of a spherical coordinate system used to record positions on the
earths surface. Longitude measures angular distance east or west of the prime
meridian, which runs through Greenwich, England. See also latitude.

main viewport

The viewport that represents a map tile in a sheet. See also viewport.

map

A collection of layers displayed within a consistent coordinate system and extents.

See also layer.

Map Book

Manages your Map Book and contains commands for creating, editing, and
publishing them. To view Map Book, click its tab in the Task Pane.

map book

A publishing option that divides a map into tiles and formats them into pages with
a legend and an index/key. Create and edit map books from the Map Book tab in
the Task Pane.

map book template

A special type of sheet set template used by a map book to generate sheets. The
map tiles are generated based on the layout and viewport placeholder properties.

Map Explorer

Manages your mapping resources. To view Map Explorer, click its tab in the Task
Pane.

map projection
 A systematic representation of a spherical body, such as the earth, in a flat
(planar) surface. Each map projection has specific properties that make it suitable
for specific mapping needs.

map query

A set of conditions that specify the selection of drawing objects from source
drawings. Conditions in a Map query can be based on the location or properties of
an object or on data stored in the drawing or in a linked database table. See also
topology query and database query.

map tile

A specific region of a map (model space view) for use on an individual sheet.

MapGuide

A software platform for distributing spatial data over the Internet or on an

intranet. Exists in two versions: Open Source (supported by the community) and
Enterprise (supported by Autodesk). (www.mapserverfoundation.org)

MapGuide Server

The Autodesk MapGuide component that hosts MapGuide services and responds
to requests from client applications through TCP/IP protocol.

MapGuide Studio

The Autodesk MapGuide component that handles all aspects of collecting and
preparing geospatial data for distribution on the Internet (except custom coding).

MapGuide Viewer (AJAX viewer)

The version of the MapGuide Viewer component that does not need a download
(also known as “zero-client viewer”). It works with Microsoft Internet Explorer,
running on Windows, or with browsers such as Firefox on other operating
systems, such as MacOS or Linux.

MapGuide Viewer (DWF Viewer)

The version of the MapGuide Viewer component that is based on a Microsoft

ActiveX Control and has full support for the DWF format. It works with the
Microsoft Internet Explorer browser only.

MapGuide Web Server Extensions

 The MapGuide component that exposes the services offered by the MapGuide
Server to client applications over the Internet or on an intranet using HTTP
protocol.

Mercator projection

A map projection, designed by Gerhardus Mercator, in which the earths surface is

drawn as it would appear if projected on a cylinder wrapped around the earth. See
also cylindrical projection.

meridian

A great circle passing through both poles, corresponding to a line of longitude.

metadata

Data about data. In the GIS context, metadata consists of information that
describes the essential characteristics of geospatial data sets. See also: FGDC
CSDGM Standard

monuments

Features with known coordinates, used to establish accurate and precise location
on a map. See also control points.

mpolygon

A polygon object. A polygon differs from a closed polyline in that it stores

information about its inner and outer boundaries.

naming scheme

The method of determining an individual map tile name. Examples include

column/row, sequential, and data driven.

network analysis, network flood trace

See flood trace.

network topology

A description of the spatial relationship between linear drawing objects (links and,
sometimes, nodes). For example, a network topology can represent pipelines,
streets, electrical transmission lines, and rivers.

node
 A single point or a link end point or intersection in a topology. A node can be
represented as a block or point object.

node topology

A description of the spatial relationship between geographic point objects in a

drawing. Examples of node topologies include point sources of pollution and road
signs.

normalizing

In a theme, the scaling of data values relative to another data value. A common
example is adjusting the thematic value based on the area, length, or perimeter of
the entity.

object class

All the drawing objects that have been created using a specific object class
definition. Use object classification to organize objects in your drawing based on
the real-world features they represent, such as roads. Object classes allow you to
create new objects that automatically have the appropriate properties and values
for objects in your drawing. See also feature class.

object class definition

A definition of how to create a classified drawing object in a drawing. An object

class definition can include information about the object type, default properties
of the object, or default data that should be attached to the object.

object data

Attribute data attached to an object and stored in the drawing file. Compare with
external data.

OGC

Open Geospatial Consortium. A non-profit, international, voluntary consensus

standards organization that leads the development of standards for geospatial and
location based services. (www.opengeospatial.org)

one-to-many join

A join in which one record in the primary table corresponds to more than one
record in the secondary table.

one-to-one join
 A join in which one record in the primary table corresponds to one record in the
secondary table.

OpenGIS Agent

The component of the MapGuide Server Web Extensions that implements a

number of the OpenGIS Web-mapping protocols to expose the services offered by
the MapGuide Server to standards-based OpenGIS clients.

Oracle schema

See schema.

Oracle Spatial (OSE) feature

An earlier version of the Feature Data Objects (FDO) feature, used to store maps
in Oracle Spatial.

OSGeo

Open Source Geospatial Foundation. A foundation created to support and build

the highest-quality open source geospatial software. The foundation's goal is to
encourage the use and collaborative development of community-led projects.
(www.osgeo.org)

overlay

To create a new topology by combining elements of two distinct topologies. At

least one of the original topologies must be a polygon topology.

package

In MapGuide, a compressed file that can speed up the process of loading data
onto the server. Large source-data files can be zipped up in this file format and
saved to a network location or copied to a CD.

parallel

A degree of latitude that circles the earth parallel to the Equator.

path trace

For a network topology, a trace begins at a specified point, finds the shortest
distance to another point and is based on resistance (the length by default).

persistent locking
 The ability to edit checked-out objects while you are offline, and then save your
changes back to the data source when you return online.

placeholder

Specifies location and size of elements (viewports, scale bar, north arrow, legend)
in a map sheet.

plot template block

An AutoCAD block that contains plotting information such as title page text, plot
layouts, legend, and other map annotations.

polygon

A polygon is a closed area that stores information about its inner and outer
boundaries, and about other polygons nested within it or grouped with it. In a
polygon topology, the polygon can be enclosed by any lines or arcs in the
drawing. In addition, AutoCAD Map 3D supports a polygon object, sometimes
called an mpolygon or mapping polygon.

polygon topology

A description of the spatial relationship between geographic area features.

Polygon topologies contain geometric links, nodes, and centroids. Examples of
polygon topologies are land use and land cover maps, political boundaries,
parcels, and soil types.

primary key

The property whose value uniquely identifies each feature within a feature class.
Many feature classes use a single property for this purpose, for example,
FeatureId. However, a feature class could have a list of properties such as street
number, street name, and street type to uniquely identify a house address. You
cannot edit primary key values for joined data.

prime meridian

The line of longitude drawn through Greenwich, England, used as the origin for
longitude measurements.

profile

User-defined settings specific to a given drawing.

property
 For feature data, a single attribute of a class. A class is described by one or more
property definitions. For example, a Road feature class may have properties called
Name, NumberLanes, or Location. See also attibute.

property alteration definition

The definition of properties you want to change during a query.

property data

Values associated with a geographic object, such as river depth, road width, or
pipe diameter. In AutoCAD Map 3D, these items are represented as block
attributes, values in object data tables, or values in a linked external database.

pseudo node

An unnecessary node in a geometric link. A pseudo node can be used to store

information about geographic point location or to represent change from one link
to another.

publish

To generate output from a map book.

purge

To remove all unused object definitions from an open drawing.

query

A set of executable statements that retrieve specific objects. For example, a layer-
based query that displays only the objects on the layers that contain state and
district boundaries. See map query, topology query, and database query.

Query Library

The set of queries saved in a drawing. You can add, delete, and modify queries in
the Query Library.

ramp

A sequence of display properties used to render a theme; for example, a sequence

of colors, linestyles, or hatch patterns.

range of values
 In a theme, a segment of data along a continuum, such as property value,
temperature, or population.

raster

Images containing individual dots (called pixels or cells) with color values,
arranged in a rectangular, evenly spaced array. Aerial photographs and satellite
images are examples of raster images used in mapping. Compare with vector.

raster-based surface layer

See surface layer.

reference point

For a symbol, the point that controls the position of a symbol over a feature in a
map. The default reference point is the center of the symbol.

registration

The preparation of a map for digitizing by calibrating a digitizing table to convert

an analog source to a digital file. See digitize.

resistance

Resistance is a measure of how hard it is to travel a link. The default measure of

resistance is the length of the link. You can set the resistance to be related to what
the link represents, such as pipe diameter or traffic speed.

resolution

In a raster image, the density of pixels-per-inch (ppi) or dots-per-inch.

resource

In MapGuide, a feature source, drawing source, or application component that is

stored in the resource repository and can be reused and shared.

resource (metadata)

In the Metadata feature, a resource is a generic term meaning any type of data set
for which AutoCAD Map 3D can generate metadata . A resource could be a
feature class, an object class, a schema, or a file.

resource repository
 In MapGuide, an XML database that stores the resources created either by loading
file-based data or by connecting to databases.

rubber sheeting

An editing method, used only when necessary, that attempts to correct errors by
stretching a map to fit known control points or monuments.

rule (for feature themes)

A feature theme consists of a collection of rules. Each rule specifies a style and
feature label for the features that meet the specified condition. You can add a
legend label to provide a description of a rule's condition. As a layer is drawn,
each feature is compared to the rules in the order that they are listed. The first rule
for which the feature meets the condition is used to specify the style and feature
label for that feature.

save set

Objects that have been created or modified in the current drawing and are marked
to be saved back to source drawings.

scale

The ratio of the distance on a paper map to the distance on the ground. If a paper
map has a scale of 1:100,000 (also represented as 1/100000), then a distance of 1
unit on the paper map corresponds to 100,000 units on the ground. On a digital
map, scale represents the scale of the map from which the digital map was
derived.

scale threshold

You can define different stylizations at different scale thresholds. For example,
turn on the display of road names only when the drawing scale factor is below
1:5000.

schema

The definition of multiple feature classes and the relationships between them. A
schema is the logical description of the data types used to model real-world
objects, and does not reference the actual data instances (a particular road or land
parcel). Rather, it is metadata. See also feature class.

SDF
 Spatial Data File. The proprietary Autodesk file format that contains the spatial
data (such as roads, cities, and countries) used in maps. See SDF 2, SDF 3.

SDF 2

The previous version of the SDF file format. It was the native file format for
Autodesk MapGuide (the last release was Autodesk MapGuide 6.5). Each SDF 2
file generally contained one feature class or type of data, for example points,
lines, polygons, or text.

SDF 3

The current version of the SDF format. It is the native format for MapGuide
Enterprise and MapGuide Open Source. Each SDF 3 file can contain multiple
feature classeses or types of data stored in tables with attributes and geometry.

service

An Oracle database.

shading

See hillshading.

sheet

An individual named object in a sheet set that can be published. References a

layout. In a DWF file, a plot layout containing a specific view of the original data.

sheet set

A named collection of sheets and subsets for publishing.

sheet subset

A named collection of sheets within a sheet set. An individual sheet can only be a
member of a single subset.

sheet template

A drawing file that defines a title block and a layout for use in sheets. Can be
specified for sheet sets and sheet subsets.

shortest path trace

See path trace.

site

The collection of servers that process MapGuide requests.

Site Administrator

A Web-based application, installed with MapGuide Server, for managing a site

and its servers.

Site Explorer

The tree view in MapGuide Studio that displays the resources stored in the
resource repository.

site server

In a site, the server that contains the resource repository.

slope

A method of reporting surface inclination as a ratio that expresses the horizontal

distance in which the elevation changes by one linear unit. For example, if the
ground rises 3 units over a horizontal distance of 15 linear units (meters or feet),
the slope is 5:1 (5 to 1).

source drawing

A drawing file attached to another drawing. The set of all source drawings
attached to a drawing is called the drawing set. Use a Map query to retrieve
selected objects from multiple source drawings.

spatial

A generic term used to reference the mathematical concept of n-dimensional data.

spatial analysis

The process of understanding, extracting, or creating information about a set of

objects. Spatial analysis includes techniques used to determine the distribution of
objects over a network or area, and the relationships between those objects. The
location of, proximity to, and orientation of objects can be analyzed with spatial
analysis. It is useful for evaluating suitability and capability, for estimating and
predicting, and for interpreting.

spatial context
 The general metadata or parameters within which the geometry for a collection of
features resides. In particular, the spatial context includes the definition of the
coordinate system, spheroid parameters, units, spatial extents, and so on for a
collection of geometries owned by features.

spatial data

Information about the location and shape of geographic features, and the
relationships between those features. See also features.

Spatial Data File

See SDF.

spatial database

A database containing information indexed by location.

spatial filter

A selection of objects that specify which records to display in the active table or
query. When a spatial filter is active, the Data View displays only those records
linked to selected objects. Compare with SQL filter.

spatial index

An index created in an Oracle Spatial database by dividing the extents of the

drawings in the database into rectangular tiles. AutoCAD Map 3D uses the index
to locate the geometry to be imported.

spherical coordinate system

A coordinate system measured on the surface of a sphere and expressed as

angular distances. Compare with Cartesian coordinate system.

spheroid

See ellipsoid.

SQL filter

A series of SQL expressions that specify which records to select in the active
table or query. When an SQL filter is active, the Data View displays only those
records that match the filter criteria. Compare with spatial filter.

style
 Settings that specify how to display the features or drawing objects in a Map
Display layer. For example, a polygon style that makes parcel polygons 50%
transparent and which appears at a scale of 1:50000. One or more styles can be
applied to a single element.

style library

Use the style library to store the styles you use frequently. You can drag and drop
these styles onto any element in any other display map.

styling

The process of assigning display characteristics (such as line color, line pattern,
fill color, fill pattern, and so on) to a feature (points, polylines, polygons). See
also theming.

stylization

Visually or textually changing the display of drawing objects according to the

assigned styles, rather than displaying them with their native object properties.
See also style.

superuser

A user who controls user IDs, passwords, and access to sensitive procedures.

supplementing distance

The maximum distance between 3D polyline vertices. If the distance between

vertices is greater than specified, then points will be added along the 3D polyline
in equal increments that are less than or equal to the supplementing distance.

supplementing factors

Add vertices along 3D polylines that are long and contain few vertices. The
supplementing distance is the maximum distance between vertices. If the distance
between vertices is greater than specified, then points will be added along the 3D
polyline in equal increments that are less than or equal to the supplementing
distance. The smaller the distance, the greater the number of supplemented points.

surface

A network of elevation data. AutoCAD Map 3D supports raster-based grid

surfaces, such as DEM, DTED, and ESRI Grid. In these types of surfaces, the
points of a surface are connected into a grid, which are then used to interpolate
 contours, and to generate profiles and cross-sections. A surface represents the
ground condition at a particular time or event.

surface layer

A layer in Display Manager containing a raster-based surface such as a Digital

Terrain Model (DEM), an ESRI Grid file, or Digital Terrain Elevation Data
(DTED). A surface layer is brought in using Data Connect. See also feature layer,
drawing layer, AutoCAD layer.

symbol

A bitmap or vector image that is used to represent a point.

symbol library

In MapGuide Studio, a collection of related symbols. Image files are converted

into symbols when they are brought into the symbol library. The symbol library is
stored in the resource repository.

symbol table

A term referring to the storage of named objects, including linetypes, layers, text
styles, and blocks.

table

A set of data arranged in records (rows) and fields (columns). When a table is
displayed in a grid, records display in horizontal rows and fields display in
vertical columns. Each field value in the table displays in a cell.

Task Pane

A AutoCAD Map 3D window that provides the tools you need to accomplish
your main mapping tasks: creating, displaying, styling, analyzing, and publishing
maps. The Task Pane contains tabbed views: Map Explorer, Display Manager,
and Map Book. Map Explorer enables you to manage the resources you will use
to create your maps. Display Manager provides tools to create maps, and create
styles and themes. With Map Book, you can print, publish and share maps. You
can resize the Task Pane palette and place it where you want.

template file

A file that formats another file, such as a text file for saving information from
queried objects. See also dot variable, query, and link template.
thematic map

See theme.

theme

A theme is a special kind of style used to vary the stylization based on some
property of the objects. For example, instead of just coloring the lakes blue, you
could vary the shade of blue based on the depth of the lake. Instead of just altering
the line width of the roads, you could vary the line width based on traffic flow.

theming

The process of styling features according to an attribute value. See also styling.

tiling scheme

The method of breaking a large map into multiple smaller tiles. Options include
by area, by number, and custom.

tolerance

A radius around a node or linear object used to search for drawing errors.

tolerance (drawing cleanup)

The minimum distance allowed between linear objects or nodes during drawing
cleanup. If two linear objects or nodes are separated by a distance less than the
tolerance, AutoCAD Map 3D corrects the error.

Topobase

An Autodesk data management solution for utility companies, municipalities, and

engineering firms. Autodesk Topobase consists of a set of industry-specific
modules built on AutoCAD Map 3D and MapGuide, all of which use Oracle as
the central data store.

topology

A set of geometric relationships between drawing objects, including links, nodes,

and centroids. Topology describes how lines, nodes, and polygons connect and
relate to each other, and forms the basis for advanced GIS functions such as
network tracing, spatial analysis, buffer analysis, overlay analysis, and dissolving
a polygon topology.

topology query
 An extension to a Map query that applies to a loaded topology. See also map
query.

transparent command

A command started while another is in progress. Precede transparent commands

with an apostrophe.

transverse cylindrical projection

A map projection, in which the earths surface is drawn as it would appear if

projected on a cylinder wrapped around the earth in an east-west direction.
Compare with cylindrical projection.

UDL (Universal Data Link)

File with.udl extension that includes the name and location of the database table
and the software used to create the file. Windows uses a UDL file to identify a
data source. Using the information in this file, programs such as AutoCAD Map
3D can view and update data from external databases.

undershoot

Two or more lines within a specified tolerance of each other that do not meet.

union

Two or more conditions joined with the logical operator Or. An item is selected
only if the item meets at least one of the specified criteria. Compare with
intersection.

Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) projection

A specific implementation of the Mercator projection, designed for use around the
world. See also Mercator projection.

vector

A mathematical calculation of an object with precise direction and length. Vector

data is stored as X,Y coordinates that form points, lines, and areas. Compare with
raster.

versioning

A database function that allows multiple copies of a spatial dataset to be stored

and tracked by date of creation, data of change, and so on.
vertical exaggeration

An increase of vertical scale relative to horizontal scale, used to make elevation

changes easier to differentiate.

viewport (paper space)

A view of modelspace from a layout.

wavelet

A multiple resolution image file compressed using a lossy compression that

enables large graphics to load much faster due to the reduction in file size.
Wavelet compression is based on a mathematical algorithm in which graphic
images can be reduced to a small fraction of their original size.

weeding

The removal of points along a selected 3D polyline, which may represent a

contour. The weeding factors determine the amount of points removed. You can
use weeding to reduce the amount of point information taken from the contours
that may not be necessary to generate an accurate surface.

weeding factors

You can use the weeding factor settings to reduce redundant points along 3D
polylines by ignoring vertices that are close together or along a straight line. A
larger distance and deflection angle will weed a greater number of points.
Distance is an absolute measure and the angle is measured in degrees. The larger
the distance value, the greater the number of weeded points. The weeding factors
must be less than the supplementing factors.

A point is weeded by calculating its location in relation to the vertices before and
after it. If the length between these three points is less than the weeding length
value, and the deflection angle is less than the weeding angle value, then the
middle point will not be added to the contour data file.

WFS

Web Feature Service. A web service based on the specification defined by the
OGC. Acts as a source of feature data.

WMS

Web Map Service. A web service based on the specification defined by the OGC.
Produces an image (for example, a PNG or JPG image) of geospatial data.
workspace

Contains the commands and tools for specific tasks. The Map 3D For Geospatial
workspace is tailored to working with spatial features while Map 3D For
Drawings is optimized for working with drawing objects.

To change your workspace, click View menu Menu/Toolbar Layout. Click a

workspace.

zero-client viewer

See MapGuide Viewer.

zoom

To change the display magnification so that it focuses on progressively smaller

areas (when you zoom in) or larger areas (when you zoom out) of an image.

zoom extents

To magnify a drawing based on its extents so that the view shows the largest
possible view of all spatial objects.

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