1.2

geographic data

individual data gatherers

people who gather geographic data as part of a research project or to assist their communities (examining and publishing info about diseases, sustainability, etc.)

organizations

private companies and governments that use their resources and sophisticated techniques for a variety of purposes (where to build new locations, allocating funding, representative districts)

census

an official count/survey of a population gathered through questionnaires every 10 years

geospatial technologies

equipment and software used to measure and analyze earth’s land and features

data collection methods (5)

* interviews
* questionnaires
* using mechanical devices
* using available information
* photo-based landscape analysis

fieldwork

research by physically visiting and exploring the local environment/culture

why do geographers need whole-Earth mapping systems?

because they help show large patterns that can’t be found with only fieldwork

how do digital maps help you navigate?

they use geospatial data points (latitude and longitude)

absolute location

precise position on Earth’s surface using latitude and longitude

latitude

horizontal lines parallel to equator (N pole = 90º, S pole = -90º, equator = 0º)

longitude

vertical lines converging at poles and arching out towards the equator

greenwich meridian/prime meridian

0º line of longitude passing through greenwich, england (it’s an arbitrary line decided by world powers because there is no single logical spot to start counting longitude)

spatial data

information that can be tied to a location

quantitative data

information in numbers (absolute)

qualitative data

information collected in words as interviews, documents, descriptions, and observations (informs quantitative data)

where is spatial data often used?

thematic maps

what system do all modern geospatial technologies use?

latitude-longitude system

global positioning system (GPS)

interactive locational system using satellites that orbit Earth and transmit signals to Earth to provide navigational directions/absolute location

how does GPS work?

satellite signals reach a phone/device receiver and track the receiver’s latitude and longitude

geographic information systems (GIS)

category of software apps for taking , storing, and displaying LOCATIONAL data

purpose of GIS

help us problem solve and understand spatial patterns by combining lots of data about a location

remote sensing

scanning Earth using satellites/aircraft for information

what can remote sensing show?

developed vs underdeveloped regions (through how many lights there are in the region at night)

aerial photography

pictures from directly overhead by aircraft/drone (usually used to show major cities in detail)

satellite imagery

pictures from sensors on orbiting satellites (usually of non-urban areas that need less detail)

how does census data affect residents?

it can show migration and how certain regions get more crowded → increase in rent, businesses, and voting changes

how is age information from the census used?

states with less school-age children receive less federal funding for school

what do satellite images show and how does it help everyone?

they show how the earth is changing and can help people make better environmental decisions

why is free satellite data important?

it gives governments a better way to monitor where to deliver certain services/goods

who uses geographic information?

everyone can use it for personal, business, or government decisions → directly affects daily life