Glossario

Geographic information system that enables the collection, organization, analysis, and visualization of spatial data. It integrates geographic information with descriptive attributes to support decision-making based on territorial analysis. It is used for planning, resource management, and monitoring of phenomena across a given area. A GIS transforms raw data into actionable knowledge.

Web platform that aggregates and provides access to maps, geographic data, and query services. It allows users to view, download, or interact with territorial information through an intuitive interface. Geoportals are strategic tools for transparency, data sharing, and the management of geographic information at both public and corporate levels.

GIS application accessible through a web browser, enabling the visualization and interaction with maps and geographic data online. It does not require any locally installed software, providing users with tools for exploration and analysis directly from the web. WebGIS simplifies data sharing among internal and external stakeholders within an organization.

Open-source software for managing and analyzing geographic data. It provides advanced tools for map creation, layer management, spatial analysis, and integration with geospatial databases. QGIS is widely used by public institutions, professionals, and companies due to its flexibility and the ability to customize functionalities through plugins.

Server component of QGIS that allows cartographic projects created in the desktop environment to be published on the web. It delivers map services and spatial data through standard protocols and integrates seamlessly with web clients such as Lizmap. It represents an open-source solution for building professional GIS services.

Data structure that enables the organization, storage, and management of geographic information within a database. It allows the definition of topological rules, domains, and relationships between geographic features, ensuring coherence and integrity of spatial data in a GIS environment.

Information layer composed of geographic features, which may be points, lines, or polygons. Each feature is associated with descriptive attributes and can be displayed, queried, or analyzed within a GIS project. It represents the fundamental unit of a map.

Widely used vector file format in GIS software for representing geographic data. Organized into multiple linked files, it handles points, lines, and polygons along with their associated attributes. Despite its limitations, it remains a common standard for exchanging spatial data.

Reference system that enables the representation and localization of objects in geographic space. It defines the origin, units of measurement, and cartographic projection used to assign coordinates to data. Selecting the correct system is essential for ensuring the accuracy of GIS analyses.

Process that assigns geographic coordinates to an image or cartographic dataset that lacks spatial reference. It enables the integration of different data sources within a GIS environment, ensuring consistency with other territorial information. This operation is essential for accurate data analysis.

Set of operations that enable the processing, comparison, and querying of geographic data to extract meaningful information. It includes techniques such as layer overlay, proximity analysis, surface calculation, and the identification of spatial patterns. It represents the operational core of GIS software.

Analysis technique that generates an area of influence around a geographic feature, defined by a specified distance. It is used for impact assessments, proximity studies, or to delineate areas of interest around points, lines, or polygons.

Numerical representation of the Earth’s surface in which each raster cell contains an elevation value. It is used in many GIS applications for topographic analysis, hydrological modeling, and environmental studies. It provides a fundamental basis for terrain analysis.

Digital terrain model based on an irregular network of triangles generated from a set of known points. It allows accurate representation of an area’s morphology and is used for detailed topographic analyses, slope calculations, and the generation of contour lines.

Publicly available data that can be freely accessed and reused, often promoted by public institutions to ensure transparency and encourage the use of territorial information. Geospatial open data are essential for GIS projects, research, and the development of digital services.

Set of descriptive information that documents the characteristics of a geographic dataset, such as its source, update date, scale, and reference system. Metadata ensure traceability, reliability, and proper interpretation of data within GIS environments.

Ability of information systems to share and use data in an integrated manner while adhering to common standards. In the GIS domain, interoperability enables different software and platforms to exchange geospatial data and services without technical barriers.

European directive that establishes common rules for the creation of spatial data infrastructures, promoting the sharing and accessibility of geographic information at the EU level. It aims to improve cooperation among member states and enhance territorial management.

International organization that defines open standards for geospatial data and services. It promotes protocols such as WMS, WFS, and WCS, which are essential for ensuring interoperability between GIS software and geographic data-sharing platforms.

Process that allows an address or textual description to be associated with a geographic position expressed as coordinates. It is widely used to locate points of interest, integrate territorial data, or perform market analyses based on geographic criteria.

Reverse process of geocoding that retrieves the address or textual description of a place starting from its geographic coordinates. It is essential for location-based applications, emergency services, and mapping platforms.

Spatial analysis technique that overlays multiple geographic layers to examine relationships between different territorial phenomena. It allows the combination of diverse datasets to assess impacts, intersections, or thematic overlaps. It is an essential tool in territorial planning.

Set of automated operations that transform geographic data into new information through analysis, manipulation, or conversion functions. Geoprocessing enables the automation of complex workflows within GIS projects.

Information layer that represents a specific type of geographic data within a GIS project. Each layer may contain points, lines, polygons, or rasters and is managed independently to enable targeted analyses or thematic visualizations.

Pair of numerical values, latitude and longitude, that uniquely identify the position of a point on the Earth’s surface. They constitute the fundamental reference for any geographic representation system and are essential for the georeferencing of data.

Mathematical method that allows the curved surface of the Earth to be represented on a flat plane. Each projection introduces unavoidable distortions in shape, area, or distance, so selecting the most suitable one depends on the intended use of the map.

Service that distributes a dynamically generated cartographic representation over the web from a GIS server. It allows users to access up-to-date maps, interact with layers, and view geographic data in real time.

Essential component of a map that explains the meaning of the symbols, colors, and scales used in the representation. It helps users correctly interpret the displayed information and understand the cartographic content.

Set of rules and relationships that define how geographic features are connected or adjacent to one another. Topology ensures the geometric consistency of spatial data and enables reliable analyses of networks, boundaries, and territorial adjacencies.

Background map that provides a geographic context on which other thematic data layers are overlaid. It typically displays general elements such as roads, terrain, or administrative boundaries, helping users interpret the primary information.

Activity involving the configuration and publication of data or maps as web-accessible services. It enables the distribution of layers, geoservices, or interactive applications to internal or external users while managing access, permissions, and content updates.

Process of graphically representing data to facilitate understanding and analysis. In GIS, the visualization of geographic information helps interpret territorial phenomena, highlight spatial patterns, and communicate results effectively.

Management of users and their access permissions within a GIS platform or geoportal. It allows the definition of roles, credentials, and operational rights to ensure security, traceability, and control over all performed operations.

Functionality of geoportals that enables users to download geographic data in various formats. It is a key service for the dissemination of open data and for ensuring the reuse of territorial information by institutions, professionals, and citizens.

Query method that allows the selection of geographic features based on spatial criteria such as location, distance, or intersection with other objects. It is an essential tool for targeted analyses and queries on databases or map layers.

Authentication mechanism that allows users to access multiple web GIS services or applications with a single set of credentials. It enhances security and simplifies access management in complex or multi-service environments.

Graphical environment accessible through a web browser that allows users to interact with maps, view data, and use the functions of a geoportal or WebGIS. The web interface must be intuitive, responsive, and designed for usability.

Organized system for collecting and describing the datasets available in a geoportal. The catalog allows users to search, filter, and discover geographic data while providing detailed information about content, quality, and usage conditions.

Service that allows geographic data to be downloaded directly from the geoportal, in predefined or customizable formats. It streamlines data access while ensuring the possibility of using the information offline or integrating it into local GIS projects.

Process of updating the geographic data stored in a system or geoportal. It ensures that the available information remains consistent with real-world conditions, improving the reliability of analyses and the accuracy of data-driven decisions.

Table containing the descriptive information associated with the geographic features of a layer. Each row corresponds to a feature, while the columns represent its various attributes. The attribute table is a key tool for queries and thematic analyses.

Tool integrated into GIS software that enables the layout of maps, designs, and reports for printing or digital distribution. It allows users to set the scale, insert graphic elements, and customize the appearance of the final map.

Interface that brings together charts, indicators, and maps in a single space to monitor geographic data or territorial processes in real time. The dashboard facilitates rapid information access and supports operational decision-making within GIS environments.

Optimization technique involving the creation of pre-rendered map tiles to improve web visualization performance. Caching reduces loading times and enables smooth interaction with large-scale maps.

Practice of sharing geographic data among different organizations, platforms, or end users. Data sharing promotes cooperation, avoids duplication of information, and ensures more efficient management of available territorial resources.

Unique address through which a web GIS service, such as a WMS or WFS, can be queried. It represents the access point to the data or service and is used by clients or applications to connect to it.

Set of rules and mechanisms that govern user permissions on data, functionalities, or services within a GIS system. It allows you to define who can view, modify, or manage content, ensuring security and operational control.

Service that distributes maps divided into tiles, enabling fast and scalable loading of cartographic information. Tiles are generated either in advance or dynamically to optimize map visualization on the web.

Function that allows authorized users to edit, update, or add new geographic features within a layer. It is essential for real-time data management and the continuous updating of information in a GIS project.

Mathematical system that defines how the coordinates of geographic data relate to the real world. It includes information on the datum, projection, and units of measurement. Every dataset must be associated with a reference system to ensure accuracy in analyses.

Principle that ensures the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of geographic data throughout its entire lifecycle. Maintaining data integrity is essential to prevent errors in analyses and to ensure that the information faithfully reflects real-world conditions.

Service that provides hardware and software resources to host GIS applications, data, or services. It allows users to publish maps and geoservices without directly managing the underlying infrastructure, ensuring operational continuity and security.

Ability of a web GIS service to remain consistently accessible and operational. Service availability is a critical parameter for applications that require real-time updates or continuous access to geospatial data.

Set of processes, policies, and responsibilities that govern the management of geographic data within an organization. Data governance ensures the quality, security, and efficient handling of information, supporting both operational and strategic decision-making.