What is Geospatial Data

Geospatial Data refers to the observation of the ground surface or some points over the surface of the earth with their geographical information such as latitude and longitude. This Geospatial information are used for creating Geographic Information System or GIS. Geospatial data are also used in remote sensing and Global Positioning system or GPS technology.

Sources of Geospatial Data :

Geospatial data are very important in every aspect which is associated with earth sciences. The Geospatial Data can be obtained from two sources mainly. These are –

• Paper Source :This type of Geospatial Data include paper printed informations like maps, statistical data, hand written information, legal papers etc.
• Digital Source :This includes computerized maps, satellites images, digital information, CD, or any hard disk devices.

These are the important steps which should be taken care of before the collection of Geospatial Data :

• The age of the data.

• Where did it come from?
• The areal coverage of the Geospatial Data.
• The projection, coordinate system, and datum parameters that were used in maps.
• The density of observations that used for the compilation of Geospatial Data.
• The positional accuracy and the accuracy attribute features of the Geospatial Data.
• Data should be logical and consistent for a better utilization.
• Data relevancy to the project at hand for making it more scientific.
• A clean cartographic representations.
• To what map scale was the data digitized?
• The format in which the data is kept.
• Reason for data compilation.
• Reliability of the data provider.
• How was the data checked?
• In what medium was it originally produced?

Design of Geospatial Data:

A proper and planned design can make the Geospatial Data the most useful. These are –

• Selection of the database structure.
• Day-to-day operation of the Geospatial data.
• Database contents definition.
• Maintenance and updating control.
• Distribution of to the users.

During design the Geospatial data, the following points should be emphasized :

• Partition of data – choices of maps, administrative boundaries, will be made strictly on he basis of the project concern.
• Standard – the quality of data should be so standard that it can give accurate result.
• Storage media – on line services should be well organized that they show different types of storage media.
• Updation – Geospatial data should be well organized in such a way that the manipulation of data such as add, delete, update, edit etc can be well controlled.
• Scheduling of Geospatial data – it includes availability of data, priority and data acquisition etc.
• Security – security must be stopped to check data piracy.

Application of Geospatial Data :

As it is discussed earlier, Geospatial Data is mainly used for GIS, remote sensing, as well as GPS technology, which are used as a very sophisticated branch of information technology. The main application of Geospatial Data are as follows :

1. Use of Geospatial data in photogrammetry – In multi spectral images, for plannimetric and topographic mapping.
2. Agricultural sectors.
3. Education.
4. Forestry.
5. To analyze geomorphic features.
6. Urban as well as residential planning.
7. Environmental conservation.
8. Pollution monitoring.
9. it is also used in corporate sectors for business mapping as well as for solving various solutions. And there are many more uncountable uses Geospatial data in various sectors.

Thus it may be concluded that Geospatial data data has a versatility in its use. And with the development in technology the Concept of Geospatial data and its uses are increasing.