You are not alone if you hear the words "spatial data" and are not quite sure what the phrase means. Simply put, spatial data is the details about the features of Earth that can be used to create accurate maps and predictions. Every time you pull up your navigation app on your phone or ask Siri to take you to the nearest grocery store, you are taking advantage of what spatial data has to offer. Here are a few ways how these types of statistics can apply to your daily life and how it can also contribute to helping the environment and preventing further damage to the Earth.       

Construction

Beyond popular belief, there is a lot more that goes into the development of roads and cities than the need for these builds. What goes beyond necessity is finding the optimal coordinates for new constructs based on soil, elevation and natural resources. Soil comes into play when it comes to providing a solid foundation so that new assemblies are structurally safe and sound. Altitude is a considerable aspect in regards to the possibility of flooding and other natural disasters. Many natural resources laws have to be considered and understood before land can be bought, built on or sold.     

Disaster Management

Unfortunately, natural disasters are devastating problems that are dealt with around the world. As mentioned briefly above, disaster management is based on what information is pulled from spatial data. Although there is no way to prevent these happenings, there are people who have a gis certificate that can use figures to map out areas of high risk so that plans and provisions may be put in place to keep these places and their inhabitants safe. These facts can save thousands of lives and help the environment by working to prevent the nasty effects of world catastrophes, like wildfires or tsunamis, that diminish wildlife and agriculture for years to come.         

Natural Resources

You learn early in elementary school that there are natural resources that are not renewable and will eventually run out; because of how fast the supply has diminished in the last century, spatial data can add to the protection and extension of must-have materials like oil, natural gas and water. Taking care of the Earth and it's naturally produced resources is a critical facet to people living happily for as long as possible. It is not only about making it through this life but also for generations to come.   

Soil Mapping

Soil mapping not only provides recommendations for how land will hold up during certain activities, but it helps hinder the misuse and deterioration of farming lands. Such a business puts food on the table of millions of people and can contribute to healthy lifestyles. Soil mapping can give all the details that are needed to produce the highest yields for farmers by figuring out which crops will grow best in their area.  

It is incredible how many parts of a typical day can be thanks to spatial data. The streets you drive on, the air your breath, buildings you work in and the food you eat all are affected and improved by analyzing the environment. It is certainly scary to imagine how wrong things could go if the information wasn't used the way it is. The good news is, technology continues to improve, which means society as a whole can become much more environmentally-friendly. The next time you decide on building a new home, wish for a new highway by your house or do research on what foliage to plant in your front yard, you can give  thanks to the information gotten by spatial data.