Improve Your Geospatial Data Quality 

geospatial data quality

Geographic information systems (GIS) date back to pre-modern technology. In 1854, GIS was used to map a disease outbreak in London. Since then, technology has seen unprecedented growth, leading to more efficient ways to map out geographical areas and patterns.

Over the years, geospatial technologies have allowed for the data collection of traditional geographical distance measurements alongside qualitative measurements such as cultural and gender issues and patterns seen across the studied geographical areas. In collecting geographical data using geographic information systems, data collected can be managed in a database and used for future data analysis and mapping.

But like any data collection process, GIS continuously improves over time with new technologies and analytical strategies. Many modern-day business decisions rely heavily on data analysis and prioritising processes and investments. All processes rely on consistent, solid data.

So how do you improve your geospatial data quality to keep your business processes sharp and up to date?

Ways to Improve Geospatial Data Quality in GIS

Use GIS as a Platform 

While geospatial information systems are used for mapping, that is not the sole purpose. Geospatial data collection aims to collect information from various sources to gain a better perspective.

Sources include business intelligence, data from first responders and other local officials/organisations, city and county resources, customer information and opinion, and asset management systems. So where is all of the information stored once it is collected? How is it organised for future data analysis?

Think of GIS as a holding platform for all of this information. It gives you a complete inventory of all data collected as well as the location where the data was collected. Storing all of this information on one platform also gives you the opportunity to see the spatial relationships of the assets/data to each other.

Use GIS as a Complete Network

The use of the geospatial information system as a single portal to information analysis will dramatically improve your geospatial data quality. Having all data stored in one space makes analysis easier.

The information would be synced in the same system, so there is no confusion or misplacement. This can also provide information security in that the information cannot be duplicated.

Providing that the network itself is maintained and updated as needed with new information and analysis, using the GIS as a complete network will assist in breaking any bad information storage habits you or your team may have.

Use a Strong Geospatial Data Strategy 

While standard data analysis tools will work for geospatial data systems, ensuring the right parts for your technology stack will give you the upper hand on a strong geospatial data strategy.

Cloud-based operation platforms offer not only speed but reliability, convenience, and analytics that are scalable. Aside from the cloud storage alternatives, you should also look into other tools such as a processing platform, task scheduler, and a data processing pipeline that will simplify writing.

Technology ground rules should also be secured. This means constructing a “code of conduct” for how the information will be handled, including what your data can be integrated with, how it will be stored and secured, who has access, and who owns any data.

Use GIS Data Everywhere 

With maintained geospatial information systems, you can also improve the accessibility of your data. From in-house analysts to field technicians and researchers, information can be accessed from anywhere, improving the quality of your data on a larger scale.

Consider the job of a field worker. Their jobs have previously required a paper trail for geospatial data tracking and analysis. However, with updated technologies at their disposal, field workers can now be on the same page as in-house workers with shared information spaces.

When something happens or is recorded in the field, a field worker now has the capability of recording it via mobile technology. Everyone can then access the data at any place, at any time, and on any device. With shared systems across the board, everyone can be on the same page.

Integrating data into one mainstay system eliminates the file cabinets, inconsistencies, and inaccuracies.

Streamline Your Business Processes with Geospatial Technology from MGISS

With the smarter use of geospatial technology and geographic information systems, our team at MGISS can independently advise on growth, prevention, and resolutions for your business operations. As a result, our solutions help to streamline field operations and drive smarter, more profitable decision-making while reducing the risk of regulatory fines, customer complaints, and reputational damage.

If you’re in the market for new techniques in mapping, urban planning, traffic rerouting, etc., MGISS is ready to transform utilities, infrastructure, and environments related to your next project.

Contact us today to see how your business can benefit from the professional use of geographic information systems.

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