What is Geographic Data? Examples, Datasets and Providers
What is Geographic Data?
Geographic data refers to information that is associated with specific locations on the Earth’s surface. It includes various attributes such as coordinates, addresses, or place names, which can be represented in the form of maps, charts, or databases. This data provides valuable insights into spatial patterns, relationships, and trends, enabling analysis and decision-making in fields like urban planning, environmental management, and transportation.
What Are Examples of Geographic Data?
Examples of geographic data include datasets that capture spatial and locational information for analysis and decision-making. Key examples include:
- Geospatial Coordinates: Latitude and longitude points defining specific locations.
- Topographic Data: Information on terrain features such as elevation and natural landmarks.
- Administrative Boundaries: Political or zoning boundaries, such as cities, counties, and states.
- Land Cover Data: Descriptions of land use, such as vegetation, water bodies, or urban areas.
- Transportation Networks: Roads, railways, and transit routes mapped geographically.
Best Geographic Databases & Datasets
The best geographic datasets provide precise location data, administrative boundaries, and land use information. This curated list features the top geographic datasets, selected for quality, accuracy, and trusted providers.
SafeGraph Geographic Data | Global Coverage | 52M+ Places
Location Data | Darden Restaurants in US | Accurate Geographic Coverage | Point of Interest Data
Geographic Data | Over 1 Billion Devices Globally
The Data Appeal | Geographic Data | API, Dataset | 251M POI Data Mapped | Coverage from 2019
Geospatial Data | Geographic data | Global Zip Code Database | Geocoded | Weekly Updated
Driver Technologies | Yield Sign Geographic Video Data | North America and UK | Real-time and historical traffic information
Geographic Data | Weather Forecast Data for Europe | Location-Based Weather Data
Europe Visit Data | Footfall & Behavioral Insights | Foot Traffic Data | Geographic Data
PREDIK Data-Driven I Geographic Data I USA I Address Data I +50 million US addresses I Retail & Industrial Locations
Mapping Resources: HERE Maps Geographic Information Systems Data
Monetize data on Datarade Marketplace
Popular Use Cases for Geographic Data
Geographic data is used to enhance strategic planning and operational efficiency. A key use case is geofencing, where geographic boundaries are set to trigger marketing actions or notifications when users enter or exit specific areas. Another common application is geo-conquesting, targeting customers near competitors’ locations with tailored offers. Additionally, geomarketing uses geographic insights to optimize campaigns and improve customer targeting.
Geographic Data Attributes
Geographic data attributes provide spatial information about locations, regions, and features on Earth’s surface. These are the most common attributes:
| Attribute | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Coordinates | Latitude and longitude for precise location mapping. | E.g., 37.7749, -122.4194. |
| Geographic Boundaries | Defined areas such as countries, cities, or zones. | E.g., City boundary of San Francisco. |
| Elevation | Height above or below sea level. | E.g., 150 meters above sea level. |
| Land Use | Classification of how the land is utilized. | E.g., Residential, Commercial. |
| Topography | Physical terrain characteristics of an area. | E.g., Hills, valleys, flatlands. |
| Proximity Data | Distance to specific points of interest. | E.g., 2 miles from the nearest hospital. |
| Climate Information | Environmental data for the region. | E.g., Average temperature: 22°C. |
| Demographic Layers | Population and societal attributes linked to geography. | E.g., Population density: 1,000/sq mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Geographic Dataset?
A geographic dataset is a collection of geospatial data that provides information about specific locations, such as businesses, landmarks, public facilities, or other points of interest. It typically includes attributes like name, address, coordinates, category, contact information, and additional details.
How Are Geographic Data Used?
Geographic datasets find application in various fields, including navigation systems, mapping applications, location-based services, real estate analysis, marketing, urban planning, and research. They enable the identification, categorization, and visualization of points of interest to enhance decision-making and improve user experiences.
What Types of Information Are Included in a Geographic Data?
A comprehensive geographic dataset may include various information about each point of interest, such as its name, address, latitude and longitude coordinates, category or industry, contact details (phone, email, website), opening hours, photos, ratings, and reviews. The specific attributes provided can vary depending on the dataset and provider.
How Accurate Are Geographic Data?
The accuracy of geographic datasets can vary depending on factors such as data sources, data collection methods, and data verification processes employed by the provider. To ensure accuracy, reputable providers often employ data validation techniques, including ground truth verification, cross-referencing, and user feedback mechanisms.
How Frequently Are Geographic Data Updated?
The update frequency of geographic datasets can vary depending on the provider and the dataset’s purpose. Some datasets may be updated monthly or quarterly, while others might have real-time updates. It’s important to review the update frequency information provided by the dataset provider to ensure you have the most current data.
How Are Geographic Data Priced?
The pricing of geographic datasets can depend on factors such as data quality, coverage, provider, and licensing terms. Common pricing models include subscription-based plans, tiered pricing based on data attributes, volume-based pricing, custom pricing for enterprise customers, and one-time purchase options. Pricing structures can vary among providers, so it’s advisable to review the specific pricing details for each dataset.
Can I Combine Geographic Data with Other Geospatial Data?
Yes, geographic datasets can be combined with other geospatial data to create richer and more comprehensive location-based applications or analyses. Integration with maps, demographic data, transportation networks, or other spatial datasets can provide valuable insights and enhance the functionality of applications that utilize geographic data.
Can I Contribute to Improving the Accuracy of Geographic Data?
Some providers and platforms offer mechanisms for users to contribute and provide feedback to improve the accuracy of geographic datasets. This can include reporting errors, suggesting updates, or adding missing points of interest. Crowdsourcing initiatives and user participation can help enhance the overall quality of geographic datasets.
Are There Legal Considerations When Using Geographic Data?
When using geographic datasets, it’s important to respect legal considerations. Ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of the dataset provider, including any licensing agreements or usage restrictions. Additionally, be aware of privacy laws and data protection regulations when handling personal information associated with points of interest, such as user reviews or contact details.
How Do I Choose the Right Geographic Dataset for my Needs?
To choose the right geographic dataset, consider factors such as the desired geographic coverage, the level of detail required, the update frequency, data accuracy, pricing, and any specific attributes relevant to your application. Evaluate multiple providers, review sample data, and consider user feedback and reviews to make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs.
Users also searched for
- Overview
- Datasets
- Use Cases
- Guide
- FAQ