What is the difference between data sets and data layers (in the GIS DataFinder)?
Data layers are the individual layers of spatial data that can be used in a GIS. Typically, each data layer shows one type of feature (such as roads, rivers, states, or elevation). The spatial data collected by the Davis Library Reference Department usually comes in data sets, or compilations of data layers. These spatial data sets are made up of data layers that either reference the same geographic area, pertain to the same area of research, or both. An example of a data set that is made up of data layers that reference the same geographic area is the “North Carolina Corporate Geographic Database” (NCGDB), which contains data for North Carolina. An example of a dataset that is made up of data layers that pertain to the same area of research is “Better Assessment Science Integrating Point and Nonpoint Sources” (BASINS), which contains data pertinent to hydrological research and water quality. An example of a dataset that is made up of data layers that both references the same geographi
