Geographic Data: Methods of Data Collection and Geospatial Technologies

Flashcards covering methods of geographic data collection, geospatial technologies, GIS concepts, data layers, and real-world examples from the notes.

Who can gather geographic data in the field?

Organizations or individuals.

Name the geospatial technologies included in 1.2.2.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS), satellite navigation systems (GPS), remote sensing, and online mapping and visualization.

What are some sources of spatial information beyond field observations?

Written accounts, media reports, travel narratives, policy documents, personal interviews, landscape analysis, and photographic interpretation.

Geospatial data are used at all scales for what purposes?

Personal, business/organizational, and governmental decision-making.

What are the two main methods of geographic data collection described?

Fieldwork/Field Observations and Geospatial Technologies.

What is one key purpose of the US Census in geographic terms?

To define representative districts and inform the distribution of public funding; supports decision-making.

Give examples of fieldwork data sources.

Written accounts, interviews, photographs.

List the components of geospatial technologies.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS), satellite navigation systems (GPS), remote sensing, online mapping and visualizations.

What is GIS and what can it be used for?

A computer system that stores, analyzes, and displays information from multiple digital maps; used for crime data analysis, pollution effects, and urban planning.

In GIS, what are thematic and physical layers and what happens when you overlay them?

Thematic and physical map layers; overlaying them reveals undetected spatial trends and relationships.

What types of data can be integrated into a GIS?

Streets, parcels, zoning, flood zones, client locations, competition, shopping centers, demographics, etc.

What is GPS and what does 'absolute location' mean?

Satellites communicate with receivers to provide precise location; absolute location is used for navigation (ships, cars, aircraft).

What is aerial photography in geographic data collection?

Images captured from planes or drones (lower altitude) for analysis.

What is remote sensing and what can it collect?

Cameras/sensors on aircraft or satellites that collect digital images of the Earth's surface; used for environmental changes, weather, and espionage/intelligence.

How has Amnesty International used remote sensing in North Korea?

Used satellite imagery to document human rights conditions, including prison camps and boundary changes.

How did rapid aerial imagery aid disaster response after the Tennessee tornado?

Fixed-wing aircraft captured high-resolution imagery and processing within 27 hours to aid recovery.