Using ArcCatalog

subtype
In a geodatabase, subtypes are used to break the features in a
feature class into major categories. For example, the streets in a
streets feature class could be categorized into three subtypes:
local streets, collector streets, and arterial streets. Subtypes
differentiate objects based on their rules. Default properties can
be assigned to subtypes so that new features inherit the
properties of their subtype. For example, a local street subtype
might be defined so that whenever this type of street is added to
the feature class its speed limit attribute is automatically set to
fifty miles per hour.
surface
A geographic phenomenon represented as a set of continuous
data, such as elevation or air temperature over an area, or the
boundary between two distinct materials or processes. A clear or
sharp break in values of the phenomenon (breaklines) indicates a
significant change in the structure of the phenomenon, such as a
cliff, not a change in geographic feature. Surfaces can be
represented by models built from regularly or irregularly spaced
sample points on the surface, or by contour lines, isolines,
bathymetry, or the like.
symbol
A graphic representation of a geographic feature or feature class
on a map. For example, line symbols represent arc features; marker
symbols, points; shade symbols, polygons; and text symbols,
annotation. Many characteristics define symbols including color,
size, angle, and pattern.
symbology
The criteria used to determine symbols for the features in a layer.
A characteristic of a feature may influence the size, color, and
shape of the symbol used.
table
1. A set of data elements arranged in rows and columns. Each row
represents an individual entity, record, or feature and each
column represents a single field or attribute value. A table has a
specified number of columns but can have any number of rows.
2. In ArcView GIS 3, one of the five types of documents that can
be contained within a project file. A table stores attribute data.
table of contents
A list of data frames and layers on a map that show how the data
is symbolized.
tabular data
Descriptive information, usually alphanumeric, that is stored in
rows and columns in a database and can be linked to map
features. See also table.
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). A communication protocol
layered above the Internet Protocol (IP). These are a suite of
nonproprietary communication protocols, or sets of rules, that
allow computers to send and receive data over networks.
template
See map template.
text box
An entity that displays text entered by a user or derived from
another source for editing purposes.
thumbnail
A snapshot describing the geographic data contained in a data
source or layer, or a map layout. A thumbnail might provide an
overview of all the features in a feature class or a detailed view of
the features in, and the symbology of, a layer. Thumbnails are not
GLOSSARY 277