What is meant by attribute data in GIS?

Attribute data in GIS refers to the non-spatial information that describes the characteristics of geographic features. This type of data provides essential context about the features represented in a spatial dataset, such as the population of a city, the type of vegetation in a particular area, or the historical significance of a landmark.

Attribute data is stored in tables and is linked to spatial data through unique identifiers. For example, each geographic feature on a map might correspond to a row in a table that provides additional details about that feature. By examining attribute data, GIS users can conduct analyses, create queries, or generate reports that incorporate not only where things are located but also who they are or what they represent.

Understanding attribute data is crucial for effective GIS analysis because it enriches spatial data with information that can influence decision-making, visualization, and reporting. In contrast, spatial information pertains to the locations and shapes of geographic features, while quantitative data and visual representations like charts pertain to data manipulation and presentation rather than the core definition of attribute data.