Data model (GIS)

A geographic data model, geospatial geographical measurements, or simply data from modules in the context of geographic information systems (GIS), is a mathematical and digital structure for representing phenomena over the Earth. Generally, such data modules represent various aspects of these phenomena by means of statistical data measurement, including locations, change over time. For example, the vector graphic data model represents geography as collections of points, lines, and arrays, and the elimination data model represent geography as space matrices that store numeric values.^[1] Data models are implemented throughout the GIS ecosystem, including the software tools for data management and spatial analysis, data stored in very specific languages of GIS file formats specifications and standards, and specific designs for GIS installations.

While the unique nature of spatial information has led to its own set of model structures, much of the process of data modeling is similar to the rest of information technology, including the progression from conceptual models to logical models, and the difference between generic models and application-specific design.