What does a GIS database typically include?

A GIS database typically includes spatial data and attribute data, which are essential components for effectively managing and analyzing geographic information. Spatial data represents the physical location and shape of geographic features, such as points, lines, and polygons, on a map. This data allows for the visualization of features like roads, buildings, rivers, and more.

Attribute data complements spatial data by providing additional information about the mapped features. Attributes are characteristics or properties associated with the spatial data. For example, if a spatial feature represents a city, its attribute data might include the city's name, population, area, and other relevant statistics. By linking these two types of data, GIS systems can perform complex analyses, generate meaningful insights, and produce maps that encapsulate both location and context.

In contrast, focusing solely on spatial or attribute data neglects the holistic view that GIS provides, which combines location with meaningful information. Similarly, limiting the database to spatial data and user settings only would omit the valuable context that attribute data adds, preventing comprehensive data analysis required in GIS applications.