Finding and investigating geographical data online

Description/Abstract

The chapter will provide: an overview of geographical referencing and the importance of geographically referenced data; examples of geographical data linkage and mapping, including some case studies; and a discussion of the creation of geographical datasets and of how work with online geographical data relates to other elements of the geographical information industry. We explain how geographical information systems (GIS) are relevant, and guide readers who wish to find out more about GIS per se to relevant sources that provide an introduction to GIS. Our discussion of the emergence of online tools for geographical data is subdivided into: Data sources (e.g. NeSS, US Factfinder); Geographical linkage (directories, lookups, e.g. GeoConvert); Mapping (both online, using virtual globes and mapping sites, and offline using data from the internet); and more specialist spatial analysis tools. In further guidance for those seeking to apply these tools we highlight the resources provided by Geo-Refer.