https://samjoness92332.medium.com/how-to-manage-your-spatial-data-to-make-analytics-easy-6f29702c22c9
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10 min read
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Oct 25, 2023
Welcome aboard! Let’s embark on this exciting journey about spatial data, which is basically data that represents objects or phenomena linked to a location on Earth. Clear as mud? Let me simplify it — if your data has addresses, zip codes, cities, or longitudes and latitudes, congrats! You have spatial data. Now why is it important you ask? Because this data is a goldmine, it can provide insights like no other.
When we think of spatial data, it’s easy to just say, “Oh you mean maps, right?” But, oh dear reader, spatial data is so much more! It’s the hidden mastermind behind the analysis of traffic patterns, weather forecasts, and even the spread of flu in your city! It’s data with superpowers that go beyond traditional graphs and charts. Its characteristics can depend on context and can include anything with a geographical reference such as coordinates or postcodes, with a penchant for complexity and large sizes. In analytics, it’s quite the superstar due to its unmatched ability to visualize data trends and patterns.
You may think spatial data lurks only in the dominion of techie nerds and geography buffs but that’s not the case! Ever used GPS to find your way? Or checked for nearby restaurants on a food delivery app? Or searched property price trends in different neighborhoods? So you, my friend, have been a user of spatial data too!
Now, imagining the modern world without spatial data is like trying to imagine a world without smartphones. Good luck with that! Spatial data plays a critical role in healthcare, transport, meteorology, and real estate and is even breathing new life into traditional sectors like agriculture and mining.