Geoinformationsverarbeitung

Geoinformation, also referred to as geospatial information, encompasses data that include geographic location and the properties of features on the Earth's surface. The field that studies the capture, storage, analysis, management, and dissemination of such data is commonly called geoinformatics or geographic information science (GIScience).

Geoinformation relies on spatial data organized in models such as vector (points, lines, polygons) and raster (grids). It uses coordinate reference systems and metadata to ensure accurate placement and description. Data are collected from various sources including satellite imagery, aerial photography, ground surveys, LiDAR, and crowdsourced observations. Databases and GIS software manage, query, and correlate spatial data with non-spatial attributes to enable complex analyses.

Analytical techniques include spatial queries, overlay analysis, buffering, network analysis, interpolation, and temporal analysis for changes over time. Visualization through maps, 3D scenes, and web maps supports decision making in planning, resource management, and emergency response. Applications span urban planning, environmental monitoring, transportation, agriculture, public health, and disaster management.

Challenges include data quality and uncertainty, interoperability between systems, privacy and security concerns, and licensing issues. Ongoing developments emphasize open standards, interoperable web services, and scalable cloud-based GIS. Common standards come from the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC), including formats like GeoJSON and WMS/WFS, and the ISO 19100 family for geospatial information management.