The Future of Geospatial Data Management:
B Y THOMAS E. BURLEY AND JOHN D. PEINE
Data Management
The Future of Geospatial Data
D
o you know where your data are or how they came to be? This question has been pondered by nearly everyone working in naturalresource management. Spatial data, in particular, are being collected at a significant rate, and an increasing number of sources are freely available. Geospatial tools and technology that were “cutting edge” 10 years ago now are expected as a component of most natural-resource studies. And an increased realization that spatial data are unique and valuable has shaped the types of data and information used in decision making. New types of geospatial data and information have led to exciting approaches to resource-management issues. These new geospatial data and information come with many considerations, such as spatial accuracy, projection and datum, field methods, and electronic formats. Although GIS and GPS technology greatly contribute to improved resource management and decision making, such tools don’t automatically lead to greater efficiency and effectiveness. When these tools are used without careful preplanning, the ability to capitalize on their potential is lost or greatly diminished. Data deficiencies resulting from poor data documentation and overall data management shortcomings can greatly reduce the value and utility of spatial data, and impede the ability to address natural-resource management issues in the most effective manner.
Education, Awareness and Planning
In geospatial data management, education, awareness and planning are critical areas that will likely determine the success of future resource-management endeavors. Through education, knowledge of the important issues associated with geospatial data management and data quality can be obtained. Armed with such knowledge, resource professionals can effectively take geospatial data and information issues into account during project planning. Frontend planning for data management considerations at project and organizational levels promotes a proactive approach to dealing with issues that, if ignored, can result in lost or degraded data and information utility. Misconceptions, stereotypes or individual technical comfort levels often impede an organization’s ability
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