Lesson 2, Chapter 1: Geographic Data Flashcards
Understand the lesson (10 cards)
Quantitative data
numbers
Qualitative data
more descriptive and language-based
Who gathers geographic data?
researchers, normal citizens, and governments
Geospatial technologies
anything that uses hardware or software to examine and measure geographical features on the earth (GPS)
Geographic information systems
software that manipulates geospatial data to make it of use for research or problem-solving
Remote sensing
a method of data collection that gathers information about geographic locations through satellite imagery – can help visualize population patterns and other geospatial information
Field observations
researcher visits a location and takes notes regarding the geographical features of that location (it doesn’t have to be notes; it could be photos, interviews, etc.)
Media reports/travel narratives
media visits places to give information about the living conditions and the people living there; some people write published travel narratives documenting their experiences
What is the difference between GPS and GIS?
GPS is used for finding locations, whereas GIS uses that information to find answers to research-based problems
What are the two uses of geographic data?
it helps with decision-making, whether it be for us or policy makers; satellite-imaging can also be used to make decisions (e.g. wildfires in California)
