Geographic Information Systems (GIS) rely on two core types of data: spatial data and attribute data.

Spatial Data
Spatial data defines the physical location of features within a coordinate system, typically expressed in terms of latitude and longitude. It provides precise positioning for elements like roads, rivers, or buildings.

Attribute Data
Attribute data complements spatial data by adding descriptive information about these features. For example, a road's spatial data includes its start and end coordinates, while its attribute data provides details such as the road’s name, type (e.g., highway, arterial, or residential), surface material, and condition. Together, spatial and attribute data deliver a comprehensive view of geographic features.

GIS uses two main models to represent spatial data: raster and vector.

• Raster Model
  The raster model divides a geographic area into a grid of cells or pixels, with each cell associated with a specific attribute, such as vegetation type, land cover, or temperature. This model is well-suited for continuous data, like elevation or precipitation gradients.
• Vector Model
  The vector model employs geometric elements, such as points, lines, and polygons, to represent discrete features. Points indicate specific locations like wells or monuments; lines represent linear features such as highways or rivers; and polygons define areas like lakes, forests, or administrative boundaries.

Integrating spatial and attribute data allows GIS to generate thematic maps, which reveal relationships between geographic features. For instance, GIS can overlay property boundaries with soil types or zoning regulations to aid urban planning. Similarly, traffic flow and accident data can be combined to pinpoint high-risk areas and enhance road safety.

By organizing, analyzing, and displaying these datasets, GIS becomes an invaluable tool for planning, resource management, and decision-making across various fields, including urban development, environmental conservation, and disaster response.