What is Geographic Information?
'Geography is one of the key common frameworks that will enable us to link information together and boost efficiency in government.' Andrew Pinder, former e-Envoy.
Geographic Information - 'Information about objects or phenomena that are associated with a location relative to the surface of the Earth'.
Related terms:
- Geospatial
- Spatial Data
- Spatial Information
- Location Information
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Geographic information touches upon every aspect of life from:
- Planning the delivery of health services
- Managing the coastal zone and flood defences
- Managing epidemics - such as the recent Foot & Mouth crisis
- Monitoring pollution
- Tree preservation orders
- Access to the countryside and public rights of way
- Satellite monitoring of land-use
- Geographic provision of emergency services
- Crime and disorder analysis
- Vehicle routing and general traffic management
- Tracking of parcel deliveries
- Planning the built environment
- Delivering water, gas and electricity to customers
- Planning and managing large sporting and cultural events
- Joining up government, tourism and heritage
- Planning safe school routes
- Giving citizens greater access to government
- Using GPS for navigation and service delivery
- Public transport planning and provision
- Retail store location
- Buying and selling of commercial and residential property
- Global warming monitoring
- Recycling contaminated land
Useful GI websites
Listed below are a some websites which help to demonstrate the diverse ways in which geographic information can be utilised.
This website is jointly sponsored by the AGI, IGGI (Intra-Governmental Group on Geographic Information) and Ordnance Survey. The site provides materials that are intended to assist in informing and educating policy makers and data users about the widespread potential of using spatial data and geospatial technology to assist in the achievement of business objectives.
Provided by the Ordnance Survey, the GIS Files demonstrate the power of computerised mapping. An interative learning zone, the GIS files will introduce you to the basics of GIS (geographic information systems), geographic information, real world info and some GIS case studies.
Developed by the Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis, the aim of the GIS Timeline is to present a visual overview of the development and growth of GIS from their conception in the 1960s to the present day.
Webcastle is a case study locator service on the Web (WEB CAse STudy Locator servicE), which at present houses over 90 case studies on the subject of geographic-information. Its intent is to raise awareness of the benefits to be enjoyed from the use and exploitation of geographic. This service is free and interested parties are welcome to share the information available with others. Webcastle is a deliverable of the EC funded, GINIE Project.
UK Location is a UK pan-government initiative to improve the sharing and re-use of public sector location information. Established following the publication of the UK Location Strategy, it incorporates the implementation of the strategy and the EC INSPIRE. Coordination is through the Location Council, with the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs as the lead government department.
The UK Location Strategy will be delivered through a multi-year programme of work – the UK Location Programme. This is intended to deliver a significant change in the management of location information – one that introduces a new, innovative, and joined up service for government, business and citizens – not only from within the UK but also across the European Union.
