Base Map
Base maps provide the
background on which other layers are overlain and analysed. A
variety of base maps have been used on this web site, with each one
automatically becoming visible at the appropriate map scale. Some
examples of these are 1:10,000 and 1:50,000 Colour Raster.
Check Box
A small box which you can click on
to add or remove layers or the key map.
Co-ordinates
A set of numbers that designate
a location in a geographical reference system. Also known as x and
y co-ordinates or easting and northing.
Features
The collective term for individual
locations shown on map layers. These features are overlain and
linked to a position on the graphical image of a base map. Examples
of features are lines, points, areas and buildings.
Function
One of the technical things that the
web site can do. Some examples of functions are Address Search,
Find the nearest and Map Layers, all of which allow you to find out
different information relating to the map.
Geographical
Information System (GIS)
A computer-based system for
capturing, storing, analysing and displaying data related to
positions on the Earth's surface. Typically, a Geographical
Information System (or Spatial Information System) is used for
handling maps of one kind or another.
Key Map
A key map gives an overall view of an
area, and indicates on it the particular area of current interest.
This allows you to immediately see where the area you are currently
viewing in the map window is in relation to the rest of the
district.
Legend
A key to show the colours and styles
that have been used to represent a layer on the map. On this web
site the legend can be found beside the names of the overlays that
are listed on the 'Map Layers' screen.
Map Layers
Also known as overlays or
datasets. A set of plotted features that can be superimposed onto
the base maps. These may be thought of as transparent sheets, laid
on top of each other, onto which any graphical data may be placed.
Layers can be added or removed using a check box.
Map Scale
The relationship between the size
of an object on the map and its size in the real world. In the UK
most map scales are metric and are shown, for example, as 1:10,000
which represents a scale of 1cm equal to 10,000cm.
Map Tools
These are located to left hand side
of the map. Clicking on different tools allows the mouse to
function differently.
Metadata
Metadata simply means data about
data. It describes the data eg what it is, where it is from, level
of detail, when it was last updated etc.
Ordnance Survey
Ordnance Survey is a UK
government mapping agency offering a wide range of mapping
products, from traditional walking maps and road maps to
large-scale maps and digital products. Visit the
Ordnance Survey web site
(opens in new window) for more information.
Panning
The term used for moving the viewable
portion of a displayed map window up, down or sideways to display
areas of the map that, at the current viewing scale, lie outside
the window.
Theme
A group of layers that have a common
(related) subject. An example of this is Waste Management, where
layers such as recycling centres and refuse collection rounds have
been grouped together.
Zoom
A function that allows for the display
of progressively smaller (zoom in) or larger (zoom out) areas of a
map in an interactive window.
This page has been created to help you understand the terms
used in the Ryedale District Council online mapping service.