GIS terms and definitions
This list from the Kansas Association of Mappers (KAM) will hopefully guide you through the lingo and acronyms that are specific to GIS.

Lidar
Light Detection and Ranging, commonly called lidar (pronounced LIE-dar), is a technique for remotely sensing the shape of surfaces, typically using lasers. In the context of GIS, LiDAR refers to data collected using specialized equipment and airplanes to measure the elevation of the ground over a geographic area. The resulting elevation data creates a 3D model of the area, adding a "z" height value to the x,y coordinate pair.

Projections
A map projection is used to portray all or part of the round Earth on a flat surface. This cannot be done without some distortion. Every projection has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. There is no "best" projection. A map can show one or more — but never all — of the following characteristics: True directions (true-directions), True distances (equidistant), True areas (equal-area), and True shapes (conformal).

Recommended Kansas Projections Standards: These recommended standards are designed to facilitate informed use of map projections and to suggest appropriate usage for particular scales and projects in Kansas.