Data sources

Abstract

This chapter is devoted to the overview of the data fundamentals as regards data models and sources accompanied by geomatics, remote sensing, and economy. Description of such data sources is complemented with the basics from respective disciplines to provide a thematic context to the reader. The chapter starts with a summary of the most commonly used data models, starting with tabular and attribute formats. It is then followed by the spatial data models, including vector and raster data core principles. Since the geospatial domain is heterogeneous in terms of different data formats, the list of interoperability data sources and services is provided. Emphasis is also given to the international and selected national data sources, both non-spatial and spatial. This part is mainly covering the economic (socio-demographic) topics. At last, a remote sensing perspective on data sources is introduced, pointing out the most important Earth observation data. The whole chapter focuses on the major data models and sources, so it serves as a gateway to further exploration of existing data storages.