Mitchell F. answered • 12/30/19
Master of Science in Geography, Emphasizing in GIS
Geometry in Geographic Information Systems refers to the spatial component of an object. Objects can be simple, such as a Point, which has a single X,Y coordinate pair, or they can be complex, having multiple Points that are connected by lines, called Polylines. There is also the Polygon geometry-type, which is comprised of multiple Points connected by lines that creates an enclosed two-dimensional plane.
A useful way to think about this is to consider a map of the United States. On small-scale maps showing the entirety of the nation, cities are often symbolized using a single point. That Point has a specific geographic location. Roads that connect cities are great examples of Polyline geometry. They contain two or more Points (the cities) that are connected by a line (the road). Finally, consider the state boundaries. States are comprised of multiple points that are connected, which create a Polygon.
For further reading, look here:
https://developers.arcgis.com/documentation/core-concepts/features-and-geometries/
