Glossary for Geospatial Science

MOSS:  Map Overlay and Statistical System.  A pioneer vector-based geographic information system (GIS) developed and still widely used by groups in the USDI, especially the USF&WS and BLM.  MOSS vector data files contain strings of coordinate pairs which describe closed polygonal areas, lines, and single point features.  Common boundaries between adjacent polygons are repeated twice in this data structure, once with each polygon.  Much geographic data is available in this format, especially that portion of the NWI wetland maps which have been digitized.