Geographic data
Encyclopedia
Geographic data is about much more than electronic pictures of map
s.
The geographic data that describes our world allows for city planning, flood
prediction and relief, emergency service routing, environmental assessments, wind pattern monitoring and many other applications.
Geographic data is processed with Geographic information system
(GIS) software which can, as one aspect of its functioning, produce maps
.
In the United States
, geographic data collected by central government is made available free of copyright for no more than the cost of distribution. The United States Census Bureau
's TIGER Mapsurfer provides a web service and also offers data free for download. TIGER allows you to build a geocoding
facility with which to spatially locate addresses. Given the ability to geocode street addresses and other features, one can create a lot of interesting spatial analysis, location-based service
, political campaign
ing apps and localised search
services.
In the EU there is a European Union directive
(INSPIRE directive) to establish shared standards
between the different countries, accompanied by web viewing of rendered map data, and an unspecified license framework for geographic data.
Map
A map is a visual representation of an area—a symbolic depiction highlighting relationships between elements of that space such as objects, regions, and themes....
s.
The geographic data that describes our world allows for city planning, flood
Flood
A flood is an overflow of an expanse of water that submerges land. The EU Floods directive defines a flood as a temporary covering by water of land not normally covered by water...
prediction and relief, emergency service routing, environmental assessments, wind pattern monitoring and many other applications.
Geographic data is processed with Geographic information system
Geographic Information System
A geographic information system, geographical information science, or geospatial information studies is a system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of geographically referenced data...
(GIS) software which can, as one aspect of its functioning, produce maps
MAPS
Maps is the plural of map, a visual representation of an area.As an acronym, MAPS may refer to:* Mail Abuse Prevention System, an organisation that provides anti-spam support...
.
In the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, geographic data collected by central government is made available free of copyright for no more than the cost of distribution. The United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
's TIGER Mapsurfer provides a web service and also offers data free for download. TIGER allows you to build a geocoding
Geocoding
Geocoding is the process of finding associated geographic coordinates from other geographic data, such as street addresses, or zip codes...
facility with which to spatially locate addresses. Given the ability to geocode street addresses and other features, one can create a lot of interesting spatial analysis, location-based service
Location-based service
A Location-Based Service is an information or entertainment service, accessible with mobile devices through the mobile network and utilizing the ability to make use of the geographical position of the mobile device....
, political campaign
Political campaign
A political campaign is an organized effort which seeks to influence the decision making process within a specific group. In democracies, political campaigns often refer to electoral campaigns, wherein representatives are chosen or referendums are decided...
ing apps and localised search
Search engine
A search engine is an information retrieval system designed to help find information stored on a computer system. The search results are usually presented in a list and are commonly called hits. Search engines help to minimize the time required to find information and the amount of information...
services.
In the EU there is a European Union directive
European Union directive
A directive is a legislative act of the European Union, which requires member states to achieve a particular result without dictating the means of achieving that result. It can be distinguished from regulations which are self-executing and do not require any implementing measures. Directives...
(INSPIRE directive) to establish shared standards
Standardization
Standardization is the process of developing and implementing technical standards.The goals of standardization can be to help with independence of single suppliers , compatibility, interoperability, safety, repeatability, or quality....
between the different countries, accompanied by web viewing of rendered map data, and an unspecified license framework for geographic data.
See also
- INSPIRE Directive. The INSPIRE directive aims to create a European Union (EU) spatial data infrastructure.
- TIGER Mapsurfer
- The US Geological Survey home page
- The US Census Bureau home page
- The UK Ordnance Survey home page
- The GEO Data Portal home page (lots of geographic data for free)
- US City Facts and Information