(Data West Research Agency definition: see
GIS glossary.) Computer database containing boundaries for areas such as census areas, postal areas and political or administrative areas, area centroids (points used to represent areas) and related associated attribute information such as area names, identification numbers, latitude/longitude coordinates, polygon area calculation, demographics, inventories relating to area, precision of boundary nodes.
Geographic boundary data are used for analyzing market potential and penetration, sales territory definition, site selection, neighborhood analysis, market and trend analysis, redistricting, environmental and medical research and analysis, historical studies, school districts, postal carrier zone calculations, zip code area studies, watershed and habitat area analysis.