In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated. Terms Defined. “Act” means Financial Institutions Article, §§13-1101—13-1124, Annotated Code of Maryland. “Authority” means the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority established by the Act. “Certified heritage area” means a recognized heritage area that has been designated as a certified heritage area by the Authority in accordance with the Act and COMAR 14.29.02 “Geographic information system file” means an electronic data file that captures, stores, and displays various types of spatial and attribute data on a map. “Heritage area” means a contiguous or noncontiguous developed geographic area of public and private uses that: Can range in size from as small as a portion of a county or municipal corporation to as large as a regional area; Has a coherent and cohesive special character; Is distinguished by a concentration of natural, recreational, cultural, and historic resources of Statewide significance that have played a vital role in the historic life and development of the area and contribute to the public through interpretive, educational, and recreational uses; and May include traditional parks and historic places or properties. “Heritage area management entity” means either a nonprofit organization or an agency of either State or local government that is or will be responsible for coordinating development of a management plan for a recognized heritage area or is responsible for implementing the management plan for a certified heritage area. “Local jurisdiction” means any of the 23 counties of the State, the City of Baltimore, any municipal corporation in the State that is subject to the provisions of Article XI-E of the Maryland Constitution, or any of their duly authorized agencies or instrumentalities. “Management plan” means a document prepared and approved in accordance with the Act and COMAR 14.29.02, that includes a comprehensive strategy expressed in words, maps, illustrations, or other media for planning, implementing, and achieving the goals and objectives of a heritage area. “Recognized heritage area” means a heritage area designated by the Authority as a recognized heritage area in accordance with this chapter.