The term Geospatial is an amalgamation of two different words, ‘Geo’ and ‘Spatial’. This term describes the collaboration of the spatial software and analytical methods with geographical database. This term is often used in relation with the term GIS (Geographical Information System) and Geomatics (collecting, processing and presenting geographical data).
The term Geospatial is mainly used as a prefix to various words like ‘Analysis’, ‘Service’,’Solution’,’Software’,’Technology’,’data’,’Intelligence’ etc.
1. Geospatial Analysis:
Geospatial Analysis involves all the techniques by which it studies the topological, geometric or geographic attributes of a spatially distributed element.
The various techniques of Geospatial Analysis are:
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2.Geospatial Services:
Geospatial Services creates and manages softwares related to GIS (Geographical Information System) and Geospatial Information Technology, photogrammetry and GIS data consultation. It involves the services like:
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One of the important Geospatial service provider is Geospatial Open Consortium. Geospatial Open Consortium, was established in 1994 is an international and voluntary organization which provides Geospatial and position depended services. This is a non-profit organization, consisting of 339 companies, universities and government agencies. It acts as a platform for the creators of Geospatial Data to share their services and invent techniques for development of Geospatial datasets, intelligence and other services. The other spheres of activities and services of Geospatial Open Consortium are:
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3.Geospatial Solutions:
Geospatial Solutions are the various services offered in the field of creation and management of various softwares which are related to spatial techniques like GIS (Geographical Information System), Geospatial Information Technology, GIS data acquisition and photogrammetry. This term is almost similar to that of Geospatial Services.
4.Geospatial Softwares:
Geospatial Software uses various methods to assess information about the earth by using geographical datasets. The Geospatial Software provides services ranging from planning to implementation to maintenance and support. These softwares are very popular with GIS Professionals, Engineers, Businessmen and academicians etc. The Geospatial Softwares plays an important role in planning, decision making and finally implementing the plan.
5.Geospatial Technologies:
Geospatial Technology refers to the observation of features on the earth surface, their measurement and and analyzing the image for data acquisition and interpretation. Geospatial Technology refers to Global Positioning System (GPS), Geography Information System(GIS), CAD systems, Interpolation mobile tracking systems and Remote Sensing.
6.Geospatial Intelligence:
The Geospatial intelligence service is provided by National Geospatial Intelligence Agency. National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGIA) was established in 1996 when the U.S. Congress, the Central Intelligence Agency and the Department of Defense decided to bring the mapping and imagery departments of U.S.A under one management. The services of National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGIA) are:
- Vector Product Format Overview
- Various publications
- Topographic maps
- Digital products
- Aeronautical charts, nautical charts, nautical publications
- Maritime safety products and services
- Historical maps and charts
- Centre of Intelligence maps
Therefore, ‘Geospatial‘ is an umbrella term which encompasses all the aspects of Spatial/Geospatial science.
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