Geographic Data and Geospatial Technologies Vocabulary unit 1

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering geospatial technologies, geographic data collection methods, and data types based on lecture notes.

Remote Sensing

A process of collecting information about the Earth's surface from satellites orbiting the earth to help understand changes that occur in different places.

Geographic Information System (GIS)

A computer system that can collect, analyze, and display geographic data by creating layered maps that give geographers insight into spatial associations and patterns of a place.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

A network of satellites used to determine the location of something on the Earth's surface.

Geospatial Technologies

A group of technologies including Remote Sensing, GIS, and GPS that allow businesses, people, governments, and organizations to locate places and visualize geographic data.

Field Observations

First-hand observations recorded by people visiting a place in the real world.

Personal Interviews

A data collection method where geographers ask questions to gain insight into an area and collect individuals' unique perspectives.

Media Reports

Information gathered from newspapers, online articles, and local news stations to better understand what people in an area are experiencing and what is happening to that area.

Government Documents

Laws and governing system records that show cultural values and priorities, providing insight into what happened, what is happening now, and what might happen in the future at a place.

Travel Narratives

Accounts that show a personal perspective, giving geographers insight into individuals' experiences and observations while visiting or living in an area.

Landscape Analysis / Photo Analysis

The study of images from geospatial technology, photographs, or video recordings of physical elements like wildlife, vegetation, and geography to understand changes to an area and human impacts on the environment.

Qualitative Data

Subjective information often in word form that is open to interpretation, debate, and discussion, typically collected through observations and interviews.

Quantitative Data

Objective, concrete information in number form that is not up for debate.

Census

An official count of all the people living in a particular area, which involves collecting information such as age, gender, race, occupation, and housing.