NOTES

1. A collection of data organized specifically for rapid search and retrieval.

2. A spatial or geographic identifier refers to a location that can be defined geographically (e.g., street addresses, block groups, neighborhoods, police districts, state or county boundaries).

3. A census tract is a boundary created by the U.S. Census Bureau that divides counties into subdivisions that usually range in population from 2,500 to 8,000.

4. A polygon is any shape that is totally enclosed (e.g., circle, square) or any irregular shape that can be defined, such as census tracts, state or county boundaries, and school districts.

5. When a database is linked to the graphics software, integrated disparate datasets are referred to as layers of information because they are displayed in map form.

6. Features are items such as schools, roads, bus stops, churches, or service providers referenced in a query.

7. A street centerline refers to the GIS street file with street name and block ranges attached in a database.

8. Cartography is the art or science of making maps.

9. For more information about crime mapping, visit the MAPS Web site at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/maps.

10. Spatially contextualizing the data refers to layering information in an attempt to reveal new or previously unrecognized relationships that exist between disparate datasets, such as crime and public housing.

11. The Community Policing Beat Book software was developed under a cooperative agreement between NIJ and ESRI. The application, user manual, and relevant documents can be downloaded at www.esri.com/industries/lawenforce/resources/beatbook.html.

12. Although the general walking distance to a bus route is approximately 1/4 mile, this distance depends on various factors, such as age, neighborhood conditions, and accessibility for people with disabilities.

13. Networking takes into consideration one-way streets, speed limits, and traffic congestion. This technique is used by MapQuest.

14. Ad hoc is a user-defined query that allows you to select specific data from all of the data integrated into the GIS.

15. A customized query is one that is predefined based on user needs; the user does not have access to all data.

16. Data sharing information can be found at www.search.org/integration/pdf/ExchangePoints.pdf (PDF File 400 kb).

17. Examples of different data formats that a GIS can integrate include text files generated from word processors such as WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, and WordPad; spreadsheet files generated from software such as Excel, Quattro Pro, and Lotus; and .dbf files such as Access, Paradox, and dBASE V.

18. Violence Against Women Office, STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program Fiscal Year 2002 Application Guidelines, U.S. Department of Justice, Violence Against Women Office, 2001.