Geospatiaalitiedot

Geospatiaalitiedot, also known as geospatial data, are information that describes the location, shape, and spatial relationships of natural and man-made features on the Earth's surface. The data can be expressed in coordinates, often using latitude and longitude, or other geographic coordinate systems such as UTM. Geospatial data are used to map and analyze the physical environment and human activities and are the foundation for geographic information systems (GIS).

There are several types of geospatial data. Vector data consist of points, lines, and polygons that represent discrete objects such as cities, roads, or land parcels. Raster data are grid-based and are used for continuous surfaces like elevation, temperature, or satellite imagery. Network data model traffic and utility networks, whereas thematic data focus on attributes of spatial features.

Geospatial data are collected from a variety of sources, including satellite imagery, aerial surveys, GPS receivers, and terrestrial field surveys. Open data portals provide free access to datasets such as the European Environment Agency’s climate layers, USGS topographic maps, and Global Administrative Unit Layers. Proprietary commercial providers also offer high-resolution imagery and specialized data products for a fee.

In practice, geospatiaalitiedot support many sectors, from environmental monitoring and urban planning to agriculture and disaster response. By combining data with analytical tools—such as spatial statistics and machine learning—decision-makers can assess risk, allocate resources, and track changes over time. The value of geospatial data continues to grow as more sources become available and the ability to process large volumes of data improves.