What is Geospatial Information?

A view of Seychelles in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa. Island of Mahé, home to capital Victoria. 

Geospatial data and information encompasses the physical location of features on, above, and below our Earth. It may sound like an intimidating, scientific term, but it’s an essential part of our daily lives. For example, the data can be geospatial coordinates that make up a map. It’s also used in your cell phone for sharing your location with a friend when traveling in a vehicle. Additionally, it’s an integral part of transport beyond borders, such as ships at sea, planes in the sky, or satellites in orbit. 

How is it used?

Let’s break it down. Geospatial information describes ‘where’ all things are, providing the digital connection between people, their place, their activities, and their environment. Experts can collect geospatial information from various sources including satellite imagery, GPS devices, sensors, and digital maps. This information is then used in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze, model, visualize, and understand patterns and relationships related to our world.

How can we galvanize geospatial information?

With an estimated global market size of US$708 billion in 2025, geospatial solutions will triple, reaching USD$2.15 trillion by 2034 (Source). The benefits of using GIS include improved communication, efficiency, management and decision-making. Geospatial information is not only a tool for sustainable development, it’s a catalyst for action. But what does that look like? This data can be utilized as a resource for national planning–from infrastructure to the economy; from addressing national needs to providing services for its constituents. It can be used as a blueprint to make informed decisions, build resilience, and prepare for natural disasters in newfound ways.

A view of Tuvalu in the South Pacific Ocean. Funafuti is the capital.

How is the SDG Data Alliance making an impact? 

The SDG Data Alliance brings geospatial information capabilities, resources and training to developing countries, especially Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States. Managed by the PVBLIC Foundation, the SDG Data Alliance is an open, multi-stakeholder partnership comprising the private sector, foundations, the United Nations system, and local and national governments.

Our goal is to accelerate the achievement of national sustainable economic development. We are committed to creating a platform where governments and local communities can achieve the Sustainable Development Goals with the power of data, technology, people and processes. Together, we can build a just, healthy, and prosperous world where no one is left behind.

“Geospatial data and technologies anchor ‘location’ to everything we do in our lives, and provide us with the much-needed insights into what is happening where, when, why and how. While the geospatial landscape and data ecosystem is in a state of constant evolution, we can apply our geospatial data, knowledge and solutions to solve real-world problems. This particularly applies to our increasing global to local development challenges, which are not only becoming more complex, but also more interconnected,” explains Dr. Greg Scott, Executive Director of the SDG Data Alliance.

To learn more, visit sdg.org