What is a PIP? (Silly question)

[holzert]

I am a software developer who has to work with GIS and this is a really silly question. We use the term "PIP" all the time but does the acronym actually mean? Is there an actual definition for PIP?

[Midgardsormr]

Without the context (and not being a GIS professional myself) it's tough to know. A little research turned up several possible uses for the acronym related to GIS use, including Pipeline Information Platform (for extracting data about oil and gas pipelines); a python installation tool; Partner Interface Process, which seems to be some kind of customizable protocol for exchanging data; the Positive Interaction Program, which is a tool used by the city of Houston to measure its social programs; Point-in-Polygon algorithms, which are used to determine whether a point is inside, outside or on the border of a polygon.

[SumnerH]

In the context of GIS it's almost certainly Point-in-Polygon, which is how you figure out if (say) town X is inside or outside of county Y and similar.

Point in polygon - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia