GIS 1. the type of feature represented in a geographic data set —note this includes arcs, nodes, label points, polygons, tics, annotation, links, boundaries, routes, and sections 2. the type of representation for a map feature —note 1. a feature class is often called an object, an entity, or a geographic phenomenon; when referring to map data, it includes points, lines, areas, and surfaces —note 2. one or more features are used to model map features, e.g., arcs and nodes can be used to model linear features such as street centerlines This definition last updated 10/24/2008