geoinformatica

Geoinformatica, or geoinformatics, is the interdisciplinary field devoted to the acquisition, storage, analysis, modeling, and visualization of geospatial information using computer science methods and geographic information systems. It combines elements of cartography, remote sensing, database technology, spatial statistics, and software engineering to support decision making and scientific research that involve the Earth and its features.

Core activities include data capture from satellites, aerial sensors, GNSS, and field surveys; management with spatial databases; analysis with GIS and specialized algorithms; and visualization through maps, 3D models, and interactive web maps. The field emphasizes interoperability, standards (such as those from the Open Geospatial Consortium and ISO 191xx), and the use of open formats like GeoJSON, WMS, and WFS to facilitate data sharing.

Common data types are vector and raster geospatial data, point clouds, and 3D city models. Technologies span desktop GIS (QGIS, ArcGIS), programming for geospatial processing (Python, R, SQL), geostatistics, machine learning for spatial data, and cloud platforms (Google Earth Engine, AWS). Topics include spatial databases, topology, network analysis, spatial interpolation, and accuracy assessment.

Geoinformatica supports applications across urban planning, environmental monitoring, disaster risk reduction, transportation, agriculture, and public health. It underpins mapping decisions, scenario modeling, and the management of natural and built environments. The field remains dynamic, driven by advances in sensing, AI, and web technologies, as well as movements toward open data and collaborative, multi‑user GIS. See also geographic information systems and spatial analysis.