November 28, 2022

What Is So Special About Spatial Data

Spatial data is any kind of information that refers directly or indirectly to a certain place or area on Earth. Spatial data, also called geospatial data or geographic data, is a set of numbers that can be used to represent a physical object in a geographic coordinate system. However, spatial data is a lot more than just the spatial part of a map. 

Types of Spatial Data

There are several types of spatial data, but the most common include:

Geometric data is a type of spatial data that is represented on a two-dimensional flat surface. Geometric data in floor plans is one example. Google Maps is a navigation app that uses geometric data to provide precise directions. It is one of the simplest ways that spatial data can be used.

Geographic data is information that has been mapped around a sphere. The sphere is usually the planet Earth. Geographic data emphasizes the connection between latitude and longitude and a specific object or location. A global positioning system is a well-known example of geographic data.

Vector data is a type of spatial data that consists of points, lines, and polygons.

Point Data: Point data consists of two coordinates and can be represented on a graph as an X, Y pair. 

Data on the Line: On a map, line data are lines that connect one set of points to another.

Polygon Data: Polygons are polygonal shapes cut from the earth's surface. These types of spatial data typically depict large features such as lakes or mountains. They provide information such as size, area, and elevation. 

The Advantages of Spatial Data

  • Spatial data allows us to make sense of our world in ways we couldn't before. Because it has geographic information, like where things are and how far apart they are, it helps people use their environment more effectively for things like finding places with less pollution and a better quality of life.
  • By providing accurate information on pollution levels or the potential for natural disasters, spatial data allows us to make more informed decisions about how we use our environment.
  • It is frequently used in GIS maps to see the location of various features, such as homes, schools, hospitals, or parks, which can be useful when making plans.
  • Companies can also use spatial data to track their products through manufacturing processes, allowing them to know where everything is at any given time without requiring a large number of extra resources. This allows them to create accurate timelines, which saves money.

Conclusion

Spatial data is a critical component of many projects today. To know more about spatial data services, visit AirSage.com.

Interested in learning more about location Intelligence? Check out our other blog posts.

© 2022 AirSage Inc. All rights reserved.
cross