Geographic Data and Geospatial Technologies

Geographic Data and Geospatial Technologies

• Geographic data pinpoints the location of natural and man-made features on Earth, from small areas like towns to large ones like continents.

• Geographic data is crucial for understanding spatial patterns and crucial for decision-making.

Data Gathering: Individuals and Organizations

• Individuals (professors, researchers, community planners) gather data via field observations, satellite imagery, and study of governmental reports. Their goals include resolving local issues and examining broader problems like climate change.

• Organizations like the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have larger budgets, advanced technologies, and government access, offering comprehensive data collection.

• The U.S. Census Bureau collects data every 10 years, counting population and gathering information like age, income, and education. This data helps allocate resources and guide policies.

Methods of Data Collection

• Traditional Methods:

• Interviews and surveys gather opinions and track locations.

• Field observations use photographs and first-hand accounts to analyze landscapes.

• Geospatial Technologies:

• GPS (Global Positioning System): Accurately determines absolute location (latitude and longitude) using 24 satellites. Key for location-based apps like Google Maps.

• GIS (Geographic Information Systems): Combines various data layers to analyze spatial patterns, like the relationship between pollution sites and wetlands. Examples include maps showing businesses, restaurants, and traffic routes.

• Remote Sensing: Collects Earth images using satellites and aircraft, monitoring environmental changes, population trends, and drought conditions, useful in understanding economic development from indicators like night lights and electricity access.

Consequences of Decisions Based on Geographic Data

• Census Data: Impacts on people and governments:
• Growing populations in some regions (South/West U.S.) result in higher rents and more crowded cities. Aging populations influence the location decisions of businesses building hospitals and senior centers.
• Migration patterns affect voting trends. Federal funding for schools shifts based on the school-age population.
• Satellite Imagery: Reveals insights to help with issues like:
• Population density (Nile Delta etc.).
• Policy planning (drought impact in Southern Africa).

Key Vocabulary

• Absolute Location: Precise coordinates on Earth (latitude and longitude).
• GIS: Software used to layer geographic information, facilitating pattern analysis and problem solving.
• GPS: Satellite-based system for precise location determination.
• Remote Sensing: Gathering Earth data via satellites or high-altitude aircraft.
• Census: A population count conducted every 10 years.

Quick Review

• Geospatial Technologies: GPS, GIS, and Remote Sensing.
• Census Frequency: Every 10 years.
• GIS Value: GIS enables layering of various data types, helping analyze spatial relationships for improved decision-making.
• Remote Sensing Insights: Reveals insights on economic development through data like night lights, indicating access to electricity.