Geospatial Technologies are not completely new inventions but are rather a collaborative effort from existing technologies. Geospatial Technology does bring some new ideas to the table, but is primarily a joint venture between satellite mapping technology and computer-based information analysis technologies. Utilizing layer-based satellite maps, computer software like ESRI's industry-leading ArcView GIS interpret and analyze the information.

Geospatial Technology: A Basic Understanding

Also known as GIS, or Geographic Information Systems , Geospatial Technology is used to create what are known as "thematic", or themed, maps; highlighting one or more specific sets of data overtop a given area. For example, geologic, soil, and other thematic maps usually have a topographic base from which woodland tints and road classification printings have been omitted. Such a map, therefore, has a topographic background printed in subdued colors on which the geologic or soil patterns are overprinted in prominent colors. Small-scale thematic maps showing weather patterns, vegetation types, and a large amount of economic and other information are of similar origin. Backgrounds are drawn from appropriate outline maps of provinces, countries, or regions of the world, while overlaying subject matters are compiled from specialized sources of information.

Hardware & Software

Software Applications & Utilities:

• ESRI ArcGIS Suite
  • ArcView
  • ArcReader
  • ArcEditor
  • ArcInfo
• Google Earth
• Manifold System
• GRASS (Geographic Resource Analysis Support System)

Collection Hardware:

• Satellite-based
  • Landsat 2,4,7
  • 24 satellite Global Positioning System (GPS) network
• Land-based
  • Radar/Sonar
  • Infrared/UV/Laser Scanners
  • Human Resources Collections

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