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Data Formats
There are generally three basic types of files when it comes to geospatial data:
1) Attribute (Tabular) Data: This data is descriptive and can be directly linked to features. It is compiled and collected at different levels of measurement (i.e. Census Subdivisions, Postal Codes, etc.), then it can be combined with other data sets to display information on a map.
2) Image Data: Image data can range from scanned maps to aerial photographs and satellite images.
3) Cartographic (Map) Data: This data contains information on the shape and location of geographic features. Features are represented by points, lines and polygons.
Helpful Links
What is GIS: ESRI: This site helps define GIS as well as explaining some of the general models of a GIS, applications and an index to dictionaries, periodicals and dictionaries.
ESRI’s ArcGIS Desktop Online Help: ESRI: This online help site contains the same information that comes in the help files with the software. Many how to questions are answered on this site.
GIS Lounge: DM Geographics: This site is a great resource for a variety of information pertaining to GIS.