Geospatial data is information explicitly tied to a location on or near the Earth’s surface, expressed through coordinates, geometries, or raster grids. It encompasses vector features (points, lines, polygons), satellite and aerial imagery, elevation models, point clouds, and attributes associated with places. Such data underpins mapping, navigation, remote sensing, logistics, urban planning, and spatial analysis across many domains.
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- It is stored in vector formats (points, lines, polygons) and raster formats (imagery, elevation grids), referenced to coordinate systems and datums. Geographic information systems and spatial databases index it for queries such as nearest-neighbour, routing, and overlay analysis. Standards from the OGC and ISO ensure interoperability across mapping, remote sensing, and location services.