Glossary of Planning and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Terms

Glossary is usually defined as an alphabetical list of technical terms in some specialized field of knowledge. This knowledge base glossary provides a collection of knowledge base documents that define many technical terms. These terms are arranged alphabetically, but you can quickly jump to a specific term by selecting its first letter from the index of the knowledge base glossary below.

A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z

Keyword

Term
Easement
A contractual agreement to gain temporary or permanent use of, and/or access through, a property, usually for public facilities and access ways.
Ecological Function
The functions of a natural system that includes water, air, soil, flora, fauna, and all related elements. These functions regulate air, water, and soil temperatures and provide appropriate habitat for ecosystem residents and migrants.
Edge Matching
An editing procedure to ensure that all features that cross adjacent map sheets have the same edge locations.
Environmental Impact Report (Eir)
A report prepared by M-NCPPC in accordance with Article 28, Section 8-110 for all requests for special exception to the zoning regulations for the mining of sand and gravel.
Environmental Impact Statement (Eis)
A document, prepared by a federal agency, on the environmental impact of its proposals for legislation and other major actions that significantly affect the quality of the human environment. Environmental Impact Statements are used as tools for decision making and are required by the National Environmental Policy Act. Similar environmental analyses are undertaken by state and local agencies.
Environmental Setting
Used in the Historic Sites and Districts Plan to define an area of land (including or within the property boundaries) to which a historic resource relates visually and historically, and which is essential to the integrity of the historic resource.
Euclidean Zone
A traditional zone in which certain types of land uses with specific regulations are permitted. Euclidean zones can be granted by the District Council upon approval of a comprehensive rezoning or a piecemeal rezoning application. Through a piecemeal application the property owner must demonstrate either that a change in the character of the neighborhood has occurred since the last comprehensive rezoning; or 2) that a mistake was made in the last comprehensive rezoning.
Expressway
A divided highway, generally within a 150-200 foot right-of-way, with full or partial control of access and interchanges at selected public roads, with some at-grade intersections spaced at 1,500 foot to 2,000 foot intervals.