Collecting geospatial information as data

There are many different methods for collecting GeoSpatial information as data; however, before jumping into the different methods described below, it might be adventitious to read the article “Representing Reality: How Geospatial Data Captures Phenomena” from the theoretical foundation section, especially the part about ontologies and world of discourse.

  • Adding coordinates to images (scanned historical maps or architectural planes)
  • Creating and editing vector data in an app using an image as a backdrop.
  • Setting up web map based questionnaires
  • Scanning hand drawn maps with location codes
  • Using mobile mapping apps
  • Using data collectors
  • Using photogeomatry

  • Remote Sensing: This method involves the use of sensors on aircraft or satellites to collect data about the Earth’s surface from a distance. This method can be used to collect data on a wide range of phenomena, such as land cover, vegetation, and water resources.
  • Surveying: This method involves the use of instruments such as total stations, GPS, and laser scanners to collect data on the location, shape, and elevation of features on the Earth’s surface. Surveying is commonly used to collect data on infrastructure and built environments.
  • Aerial Photography: This method involves the use of cameras mounted on aircraft to collect images of the Earth’s surface. Aerial photography is commonly used to collect data on land cover, vegetation, and infrastructure.
  • Field observations: This method involves collecting data on the Earth’s surface through direct observation and measurement. Field observations are commonly used to collect data on biodiversity, geology, and hydrology.
  • Crowdsourcing or Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI): This method involves collecting data from a large number of people through the internet or mobile devices. Crowdsourcing is commonly used to collect data on traffic, weather, or environmental issues.
  • Social media mining: This method involves collecting data from social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Social media mining is commonly used to collect data on human behavior, sentiment and opinion.