Attribute uncertainty can directly affect the quality of GIS-based decision making. In this paper

the theories and methods to study the attribute uncertainty and their developments are discussed. And a number of theories and methods have been developed to deal with attribute uncertainties. These may include

for example

GIS-based models; probability theory and statistics-based statistical theories; fuzzy sets

rough sets and cloud theory based soft computing. These theories and methods for describing attribute uncertainties in GIS data are reviewed and analyzed. Furthermore

the future developments of the research in these areas are also briefly summarized.