Chapter 1- It’s a Geospatial World out there

(Pg 1-14)
Geospatial technology​: the use of ​systems and tools ​that ​obtain​, ​analyze​, ​manage​, ​store ​and
visualize ​location-based data​. Geospatial technologies encompass various fields and
techniques, including:
● Geographic Information System ​(GIS): A system that uses ​computers ​to ​retrieve​,
analyze ​and ​map out ​location-based data.
● Remote sensing​: Using ​satellites ​and a​ ircraft ​to ​acquire ​data ​and ​imagery
● Global Positioning System​: System that allows the ​retrieval ​of ​real-time location
information ​from a number of ​satellites ​orbiting the earth. GPS receivers contain millions
of coordinates that can be visualized as maps.
There are a number of fields that utilize geospatial technology:
● Archaeology
● City Planning
● Environmental Monitoring
● Forestry
● Homeland Security
● Law Enforcement
● Health and Human Services
● Real Estate

Geospatial data ​(spatial data): the ​basis ​of geospatial technology applications, ​location-based
data,​ which is tied to ​real-world locations​. There are many forms of geospatial data:
● point location
● length and dimension
● boundaries
● extensive areas (landscape, terrain)
● Land use

Non-spatial data​: data that is ​not directly linked ​to a spatial location, but can be linked ​with
spatial data to be used accordingly in Geospatial technologies. Example: using mobile-based
gps systems to find way around an area, whilst looking up detailed information on surrounding
features in the area (non-spatial).

How does all this relate to Geography?

● Geography deals with ​concepts​ of the ​spatial characteristics o ​ f our planet and the
spatial relationships ​and ​interactions​ of the p
​ eople​ and ​features​ that populate it.
● Geospatial technologies have been heavily integrated into the discipline of geography,
and are used in field work and class projects to acquire spatial data to produce maps of
results.
● Geospatial technology gives us ​tools​ needed to ​apply​ ​location-based principles ​to
real-life situations​.
Prof. Notes- Topic 1: Introduction to Geospatial

Slide 14
● conceptual vs. absolute distances (find out what this means)
Slide 18
● cartography- will be on test
● cartographers- will be on test
Slide 19
● paradigm shift- a change in perception; on how we perceive things fundamentally
● paradigms: way of thinking
● Science: ​systematic​ ​observation​ of the world
● observational knowledge vs. scientific knowledge
Slide 20
● topography: differences in elevation; spatial relationship
● image of tuscany: (refer to map, look at the way one can perceive the many components
of an area just by looking at a map)
● land use (definition?)
● land cover (get definitions)
Slide 21
● mind maps: start with a central focus point
○ branch out with anything that comes from your mind
Slide 22
● symbols used in maps should be based upon cultural components in the area
Slide 25
● this course is about different ways one can represent geographic phenomenon
Slide 28
● maps: systematic depiction of relations of objects in space
Slide 30
● when making a maps:
○ know what NOT to show
○ maps must have a theme
○ mapping components support the theme/title of map
Slide 32
● thematic maps
○ need classification schemes
○ need a legend of some sort
Slide 33
● remote sensing: obtaining data from a distance

Slide 41
● RS Raster data model
○ each piece (pixel) is individual and holds one attribute
Slide 42- GIS
● spatial attributes
● geographic attributes