2 - Geographic data

Abstract

One of the key ideas in the development of a geographic information system (GIS) is that we can, with computing devices, efficiently manipulate geographic data. Data are transformed into information—facts, estimates, synthesized knowledge, statistics, and real-world observations—that we use to describe a situation or system and that we use to make decisions. Making a decision or attempting to describe a place on Earth with very little information (or none) would not be rational. Particularly today, with the computing resources (hardware and software), we have that allow society to very efficiently, and quite deeply, develop knowledge about our world, the use of this technology seems paramount. Therefore, as background material for understanding the value of GIS to the management of forests and other natural resources, this chapter presents a number of topics related to data we often use. Included are discussions of common data models, formats, types, resolution, accuracy, and precision.