a collection of data stored in a systematic manner such that the data can be readily retrieved, modified, and manipulated to create information —note 1. most databases are computerized and consist of fields and records that are organized by data sets and governed by a scheme of organization, and can be linked to allow complex search-and-compare routines —note 2. hierarchical and relational define two popular structural schemes in use in a GIS, e.g., a GIS database includes data about the spatial location and shape of geographic entities as well as descriptions about those entitiesThis definition last updated 07/29/2008