Georeferencing
Definition
Georeferencing is a process that involves relating internal spatial coordinates to geographic coordinates defined by the earth's surface. In Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Geomatics, georeferencing includes a series of techniques and processes aimed at assigning earth-based coordinates to individual data elements of maps, images, or other datasets. This ensures accurate placement and alignment of the data in a real-world context and facilitates integration with other geospatial data.
What is Georeferencing?
In the world of GIS and Geomatics, georeferencing plays a significant part. By definition, it's about assuring data is located in the correct place on the earth. It extends beyond the mere capacity to place an object on a map, to ensure alignment, yielding spatially reliable datasets.
Taking it practically, if you have an old map or aerial image without real-world coordinates, through georeferencing, you could align features from this map or image with corresponding features (like roads, landmarks etc.) on another map or satellite image that does have real-world coordinates. This effectively relates your old data to a known, established mapping system and makes it spatially accurate and useful in a GIS.
To accomplish this, the georeferencing process uses a series of control points, known as Ground Control Points (GCPs), which can be identified on both the old map or image, and on an accurately controlled map or real-world coordinates. Then it uses mathematical models to assign every pixel in the image or every point in the dataset to a geographic location, thus georeferencing the entire image or dataset.
FAQs
What are the benefits of Georeferencing?
Georeferencing allows spatial data to be overlaid with other geospatial data (like land use maps, road maps, etc.). This enhances the usefulness of the data by allowing it to be related to its real world context and facilitates its integration in GIS applications for spatial analyses. It also helps in transforming images or maps into the same coordinate system.
How accurate is Georeferencing?
The accuracy of georeferencing largely depends on the precision and number of control points used in the process, and the accuracy of the coordinate data they contain. Additionally, the mathematical model used in the georeferencing process can also impact accuracy.
What are Ground Control Points (GCPs) in Georeferencing?
Ground Control Points (GCPs) are specific, identifiable points on an image or a map that can be accurately pinpointed on a corresponding image or dataset that contains accurate geographic coordinates. They are crucial in the georeferencing process, as they provide the reference points for aligning the data elements to their correct geographic locations.
