Geofacts

Geofacts is a term used to describe statements or data about the Earth's geography that can be verified through observation, measurement, or authoritative sources. The emphasis is on factual accuracy in geographic information, separating facts from interpretation or speculation. Geofacts cover natural features such as landforms, climates, ecosystems, and hydrology, as well as aspects of human geography like settlements or land use, when grounded in evidence.

Geofacts come from diverse sources: maps, field surveys, satellite imagery, GIS datasets, official statistics, and peer‑reviewed research. Validation involves assessing source reliability, methods, date stamps, and the ability to reproduce findings. Because geographic information can change, geofacts should include dates and acknowledge uncertainty when present.

Applications include education to build geographic literacy, journalism and policy to support credible claims, and research that analyzes spatial patterns and processes. Examples include locating major geographic features, describing climate zones, mapping transportation networks, or documenting natural hazards, as long as the claims are supported by evidence.

Limitations include data quality, scale, and the dynamic nature of geographic phenomena. Claims may be accurate at one scale but misleading at another; uncertainty and data gaps require careful presentation. The term "geofact" remains informal and is used to distinguish verified geographic information from opinions, representations, or unverified statements.