Abstract
Spatial data are the sum of our interpretations of geographic phenomena. In digital form, the data are the primary information needed by geographic information systems, the software tools used for spatial-data analysis. Spatial data is used as an all-encompassing term that includes general-purpose data sets such as digital cartographic data, remotely sensed images, and census-tract descriptions, as well as more specialized data sets such as seismic profiles, distribution of relics in an archeological site, or migration statistics. Taken literally, spatial data could refer to any piece of information related to a location from stars in the heavens to tumors in the human body. Typically, however, spatial data is restricted to describing phenomena on or near the earth's surface (often referred to as ‘geospatial data’). Various categories of spatial data will be described, with examples of commonly used data types, as well as the technical mechanisms used to encode this information for use by geographic information systems. The topics of data quality and metadata (data about data) are discussed along with the key roles this information has in finding and using spatial data.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Encyclopedia of Social & Behavioral Sciences
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
