Introduction to

Geospatial Data
Science

2
 Learning Objectives

Introduction to Geospatial Data Science

Concepts of Geospatial Data Science

Components of Geospatial Data Science

Types of Geospatial Data

 Introduction

Geospatial data science integrates geography,

remote sensing, spatial data analysis, and
geographic information systems (GIS) to provide
insights into complex spatial patterns and
processes.

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 Introduction

Geospatial Data Science is the interdisciplinary field that integrates

geographic data with computational, statistical, and analytical tools
to solve spatial problems and gain insights into patterns,
relationships, and processes in the real world.

It focuses on the acquisition, management, analysis, and

visualization of data that has a spatial or geographic component.
Concepts of Geospatial
Science
Concepts of Geospatial Data
What is GIS
Geographic Information System

GIS is a system or set of tools that captures,

stores, analyzes, manages, and presents
data that are linked to location(s) to make
informed decisions. GIS is the merging of
cartography, statistical analysis, and
database technology.

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944/word-cloud-gis.html
 Functions of GIS

➢ Data Collection
➢ Data Management
➢ Data Editing
➢ Spatial Data Analysis
➢ Data Visualization
➢ Decision Support

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ons-of-gis/
Functions of GIS

Data Capture and Management

GIS systems are designed to efficiently store and
manage large volumes of spatial and no
n-spatial data.
➢ Geospatial Databases: Use relational (e.g.,
PostGIS, SpatiaLite) and NoSQL databases (e.g.,
MongoDB) to store spatial features and their
attributes.
➢ Data Formats: Support for various formats like
shapefiles, GeoJSON, KML, and GeoTIFF.
➢ Metadata Management: Store details about
data origin, quality, scale, and projection for
better documentation.
➢ Data Backup: Ensure data security and disaster
recovery.
Functions of GIS
Data Visualization

➢ GIS helps to visualize and represent data in a

viewable medium or format like maps and
charts.

➢ It is a way of presenting information

graphically, using charts, plots, infographics,
and even animations, to communicate
complex data relationships and insights in a
way that is easy to understand.

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What is Remote Sensing?
Remote Sensing

➢ Remote sensing is the practice of obtaining

information about the Earth's surface by
analyzing data collected from special
instruments that are not physically in contact
with the objects being studied.

➢ This is achieved by detecting and measuring

reflected or emitted energy from the Earth's
surface, usually using sensors mounted on
satellites, aircraft, drones, or ground-based
platforms.
 Remote Sensing
Key Concepts in Remote Sensing:

➢ Sensors- Active and Passive sensors

➢ Electromagnetic spectrum
➢ Platforms- Satellite, Aircrafts/Drone, Ground-
based
➢ Spatial resolution
➢ Temporal resolution
➢ Spectral resolution
➢ Applications- Agriculture, Environmental
monitoring, Urban planning, Disaster
management, Climate studies

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 Remote Sensing
➢ Spatial data analysis involves examining data
that has a geographical component to
identify spatial patterns, dependencies, or
anomalies and derive actionable insights.

➢ It involves the application of various

techniques and tools to identify patterns,
relationships, and trends within spatial data,
aiding decision-making across numerous
sectors.

➢ It focuses on the "where" and "why" of data

phenomena.
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Geospatial Analysis
Key Techniques of Spatial Data Analysis

Descriptive Analysis

➢ Summarize spatial features (e.g., counts,

averages).

➢ Example: Counting the number of hospitals in

a city.
Key Techniques of Spatial Data Analysis

Spatial Overlay

➢ Combine multiple layers to analyze spatial

relationships.

➢ Example: Overlay land use and flood zones to

identify areas at risk.

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querying/overlay-analysis/
Key Techniques of Spatial Data Analysis

Proximity Analysis

➢ Calculate distances between features.

➢ Example: Identify populations within 5 km of a

health facility.

Source:
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mity-analysis-af3b51
 Key Techniques of Spatial Data Analysis

Spatial Interpolation

➢ Estimate values at unsampled locations using

nearby data points.

➢ Example: Create a temperature surface from

weather station data.

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is_introduction/spatial_analysis_interpolati
on.html
Key Techniques of Spatial Data Analysis

Hotspot Analysis

➢ Identify clusters of high or low values.

➢ Example: Detect crime hotspots in a city.

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is-hotspot-analysis/
 Key Techniques of Spatial Data Analysis

Network Analysis

➢ Model and analyze movement through

networks (e.g., roads).

➢ Example: Calculate the shortest route between

two locations.

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analysis/network-analysis-101/
Key Techniques of Spatial Data Analysis

Geostatistics

➢ Use statistical techniques like Kriging and

variograms for advanced modeling.

➢ Example: Predict soil properties across a field.

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analyst/geostatistical-analyst-example-applications.htm
Key Techniques of Spatial Data Analysis

Time-Series Analysis

➢ Analyze changes in spatial data over time.

➢ Example: Monitor urban growth using satellite

imagery.

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satellite-image-time-series-2/
 Applications of Spatial Data Analysis

01 Health and Epidemiology

Urban Planning
02
Environmental Monitoring
03
Disaster Management
04

05 Business and Marketing

Database Management Systems

06
What is Cartography
Key Principles of Cartography

➢ Cartography is the art and science of map-

making, focusing on the design and
communication of spatial information.

➢ Cartography ensures that these insights are

effectively communicated through visual
representation
 Role of Cartography

➢ Maps are most efficient in enabling human

users to understand complex situations.

➢ Without maps, we would be “spatially blind”

➢ Visualization of Analytical Results

➢ Data Exploration

➢ Communication Tool

➢ Data-Driven Storytelling
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cartography/?rmedium=arcnews&rsource
Key Principles of Cartography

➢ Purpose and Audience

➢ Data Integrity

➢ Visual Contrast

➢ Visual Hierarchy

➢ Symbology and Color Theory

➢ Map Elements

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geographic-information-systems/s13-cartographic-
principles.html
 Techniques and Tools for Cartography

Software for
Cartographic Programming
Design Languages
.
.
3D Mapping
Interactive
and Virtual
Mapping Tools
. Reality
What is Global Positioning
System?
Global Positioning System (GPS)

GPS provides geolocation and time information

to GPS receivers, enabling users to determine
their position in three dimensions (latitude,
longitude, and altitude) with high accuracy.
 Role of GPS

➢ Data collection

➢ Location based services

➢ Real-time data integration

➢ Geospatial data validation

➢ Remote sensing and ground control points

➢ It determines precise location

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positioning-systems-gps-principles-and
Key Concepts of GPS

➢ Triangulation and Trilateration

➢ Coordinate system

➢ Accuracy and precision

➢ Time synchronization
 Integration of GPS

➢ GIS software

➢ Programming and automation

➢ Remote sensing

➢ Big data and IoT

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Segments-10341-GPS-terrestrial-segment-
33-in-orbit-spacecraft-
Operator_fig28_357429523
 Components of
Geospatial Science
 Components of Geospatial Data Science

Spatial Data Tools and

Infrastructur Software
e Core
Geospatial Geospatial
Data Components Analysis

Spatial Data Visualization

Modeling

In addition to the 6 core components mentioned above, there

are 4 more components of geospatial data science;
➢ Data Integration
➢ Applications
➢ Big Data and Cloud Computing
➢ Ethics and Data Privacy
Geospatial Data
Types of Geospatial Data
There are two primary forms of geospatial data:
➢ Spatial data
➢ Attribute data
Spatial Data

➢ Spatial Data describes the absolute and

relative location of geographic features.

➢ Spatial data are in two forms- vector and

raster
Attribute Data

➢ Attribute data describes the characteristics of

the spatial feature which could be quantitative
or qualitative.

➢ Attribute data is often referred to as tabular

data.
Vector Data

➢ Is characterized by its ability to store data in

the form of discrete geometric shapes, which
are defined by coordinates.

➢ These shapes represent real-world features

and are classified into three main types: Points,
Lines and Polygons

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s-of-geographic-information-systems/s08-
02-vector-data-models.html
 Three Types of Vector Data
Points
➢ Represent individual locations on the
Earth's surface, defined by a single
set of coordinates (e.g., latitude and
longitude). Locations of wells,
schools, or landmarks.

Lines
➢ Represent linear features that
connect two or more points in a
sequential order. Examples River,
Road

Polygons https://bookdown.org/gmcirco42/crime_mappi
➢ Represent area features enclosed by ng_and_analysis/lab2.html

lines, forming a closed shape

 Raster Data

➢ Raster data is stored as a matrix of

cells (rows and columns), with each
cell representing a specific area on
the Earth’s surface

➢ Isdefined by the size of each pixel,

spatial resolution determines the
detail of the data

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app/latest/help/data/imagery/introduction-to-
raster-data.htm
 Vectors vs Raster
Here is a representation of the real world, showing the differences between how
a vector and a raster GIS will represent this real world.

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asterToVector.html
 Summary

A
In this course we have learned about what Geospatial data science
is all about.

We have gained a comprehensive understanding of its concepts,

B
components, and data types, including vector and raster formats

These foundations empower learners to apply geospatial

C
methodologies in solving real-world problems.
 Assignment

➢ What is the difference between Data Science and Geospatial Data Science

➢ What do you understand by GIS

➢ What are the functions of GIS

➢ What is the difference between spatial resolution and spectral resolution

in remote sensing