Geographic data is important for many applications, including geographic analysis. Many applications require data about locations, such as business location maps, places to eat, and places to sleep.
Many of these apps work by overlaying satellite images, maps, and data on top of a map. This gives it more information about a location, but also adds complexity to app development.
App developers use different software tools to store and organize geographic data, so having a good working relationship with software tools is important.
This article will talk about some details about computer systems that store, organize, retrieve, analyze, and display geographic data.
Organize geographic data
When you analyze and display geographic data, you need to store it in a format that is easy to access and use. There are several ways to organize data, and I will talk about two of them here.
The easiest way to store data is in a database. You can purchase a database or download one for your computer. Once you have the database, you can map every device you use to the one location. You can then display the location’s information on your device or website.
The second way to organize data is by using maps. You can create a map that displays all of your devices connected to the internet at one location, which is how you store information in the cloud.
Retrieve geographic data
When you need to retrieve data that is geographically related, such as data about countries or cities, then a computer system that stores, organizes, and retrieves geographic data is for you.
Geo-data store are usually created by governments or large companies to facilitate social interaction and analysis. Many offer free access, making it an easy way to store some information about the world.
Many of these geo-data stores are online, making it easy to access.
Analyze geographic data
The analysis of geographic data is a rapidly growing field. There are many ways to analyze geographic data. Some of these analyses include:
Surveys – Using satellite imagery, surveying devices, and GPS systems can survey property and identify properties for sale, investment, and resale. Using these surveying devices can also create mapping applications such as Google Maps or MapQuest.
Analytic – Using database queries or computer software, analyzing spatial data is how new analytical applications are created.
Re-use – Many government agencies and businesses use old hardware or software to analyze new data sets. Having old software and hardware still available can be a valuable resource.
Cost effective – With the high cost of new software tools that do not always have full functionality of existing tools, it keeps pushing down more cost efficient ones that do.
Display geographic data
When you need to display information about a geographic area, such as a neighborhood in New York City, you can use a computer system that stores and organizes data on computers and mobile devices.
This data includes information about buildings, streets, parks, transportation systems, and other properties. It also includes data about people who live in the area, businesses that exist in the area, and any recent or projected trends for the area.
By working with this data together, you can create a computer system that stores, organizes, retreives, analyzes, and displays geographic data. A good example of this type of system is New York City’s Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DIT).
When addressing security issues with your system, do not assume that technology from more than twenty years ago is still relevant.
Computer systems used for storing geographic data
The term computer system includes all devices, software, and components that act as a central repository for data. These data repositories include computer systems that store, organize, analyze, and display geographic data.
A computer system that stores geographic data is referred to as a Geographic Information Systems (GI-System). A computer system that analyzes and displays geographic data is called a Geodetic Reference System (G-System). A computer system that stores geographical information and presents it in a visual format is called a Information Visualization System (I-System).
The term information visualization refers to both the profession of geodetic reference system士i.e., map makers, cartographers, geodetic professionals, and information visualization professionals–and the technology of geodetic reference systems士i.e.
Geographic databases
There are many databases that hold data about areas, countries, and the like. Some of these databases are large and utilize different software platforms to store and organize data.
Some small commercial databases hold data about areas, but not of a geographic nature. These large commercial databases typically do not organize and store data very well, making it difficult to access.
Even if the database does not hold any information about land or geographic features, it can still have a big impact on your system. For example, if your database tracked sales or donations, then you would want to track how much people donated or sold something!
A small but important note: When you find a database that holds information of a non-geographic nature, make sure it does not affect your system in an adverse way.
Geospatial software
There are many ways to store and organize geographic data. Some systems rely on structured data, while others utilize software tools.
Structured data includes maps, map projections, geocoding tools, and the like. Software tools such as AutoMapper or Mapnik make it easy to add a layer of organization to a map.
As expected, geocoder software can easily find a pinpoint of information on a map.
The other two categories include hardware and services that offer organizing solutions. Many store owners give up looking because of the sheer amount of equipment they have to purchase and use.
Some hardware solutions include custom made shelving or floor stands to organize their data, and specialized displays or racks to hold everything.
How to organize your geospatial data
Geospatial data is valuable, and should be managed carefully. You should consider what resolution you want for your data, whether or not your location is important to your data, and whether or not you need to display it in a certain format.
Many applications require a resolution of at least 300 pixels by 300 pixels, in either bitmap or vector format. This includes desktop applications like Maps apps, Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Windows Maps apps!
When storing your data in non-compressed formats such as .jpg or . pdf , make sure they are saved as smaller files. Non-compressed images can easily get big fast!
Some formatting styles may not work on different software, so make sure to check what you have before changing anything.
