Geocoding
Converting an address or place name into coordinates (latitude/longitude). Reverse geocoding converts coordinates to an address. Essential for location services and address data integration.
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GeoJSON
GeoJSON is an open standard format for encoding geographic data structures in JSON (JavaScript Object Notation). The specification is defined in RFC 7946 and describes how points, lines, polygons, and multi-geometries are represented, along with associated attributes. The format was introduced in 2008 and is widely supported by web and GIS tools. A GeoJSON document has a root element of type FeatureCollection, which contains an array of Feature objects. Each feature has a geometry (Point, LineString, Polygon, MultiPoint, etc.) and optionally a properties object for attributes. Coordinates are always in WGS84 (EPSG:4326), and the order is longitude, latitude. An optional bbox (bounding box) can describe the geographic extent. GeoJSON is widely used in web maps, mobile apps, and REST APIs because it is lightweight and easy to parse in JavaScript. Many WFS services can deliver GeoJSON as an output format, and platforms such as Leaflet and Mapbox support it natively. It is ideal for exchanging vector layers between systems and for feeding interactive maps in the browser. Advantages include human readability compared to binary formats, no separate parser required in web browsers, and broad tooling support. For very large datasets, file size can be a drawback; in those cases, streaming approaches or more compact variants such as TopoJSON are sometimes used. In Dutch geo applications, GeoJSON is often combined with PDOK, WFS, and address data.
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Geometry
The spatial shape and location of a geographic object: point, line, polygon, or multi-geometry. Geometry is stored together with attributes in vector data.
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Geoprocessing
Performing spatial operations on geographic data, such as buffer, clip, intersect, union, or overlay. Geoprocessing is used in analysis workflows and automation.
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GIS
Geographic Information System – a system for capturing, managing, analyzing, and presenting spatial data. GIS combines maps with databases to visualize locations, patterns, and relationships.
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GML
GML (Geography Markup Language) is an OGC XML-based standard for modeling, storing, and exchanging geographic data. It is widely used in professional GIS environments, in WFS services, and in the INSPIRE directive. GML supports complex schemas, coordinate transformations, and rich metadata. The structure of GML is hierarchical: features are described with geometries (Point, LineString, Polygon, etc.), references to other features, and attributes. Multiple coordinate reference systems are supported via explicit CRS definitions. GML can represent both simple and highly detailed models, making it suitable for cadastre, networks, and 3D. GML is often used where interoperability and standardization matter, for example for government data, INSPIRE datasets, and exchange between different GIS packages. WFS 1.1 and 2.0 can deliver GML as the default output. The format is less suitable for direct display in simple web clients because of the size and complexity of XML. In the Dutch context, GML is used for BGT, BAG, and other base registries distributed via PDOK and the Nationaal Georegister. For web maps, GML is often converted server-side to GeoJSON or other lighter formats.
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