kaardiandmed

Kaardiandmed, Estonian for map data, refers to geographic information that describes the Earth's surface and its features. This data combines spatial geometry—points, lines, and polygons—with non-spatial attributes such as names, classifications, and measurements. Map data supports visualization, spatial analysis, and decision making across domains like transportation, planning, environment, and public safety.

Map data is typically organized into vector and raster forms. Vector data models store discrete features as points, lines, and polygons, while raster data represents continuous surfaces as grids of cells, such as elevation or satellite imagery. Common formats include GeoJSON, Shapefile, GeoPackage, and raster formats like GeoTIFF.

Metadata describes the data: its source, date of creation, scale or resolution, coordinate reference system, quality measures, update frequency, and licensing terms. Data quality depends on accuracy, completeness, and currency, and may vary by source and area of coverage. Provenance and lineage help users assess reliability.

Map data is produced by national and local government agencies, research institutions, and private providers. In many countries, map data is distributed through public data portals under open or restricted licenses, with varying terms of use. Access and interoperability are improved by adopting standard data models and interchange formats.

Usage spans cartography, GIS analysis, routing and navigation, environmental monitoring, risk assessment, and urban planning. Alignment with standards such as ISO 19115 for metadata and OGC specifications for geospatial services (WMS, WFS) and formats (GeoJSON, GeoPackage) enhances data sharing and integration.