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Geospatial Science (GSs) and Geographic Information Science (GIScience)
HubBucket Atlas is a Research and Development (R&D) Division of HubBucket Inc

HubBucket Atlas focuses on Geospatial Science (GSs) and Geographic Information Science (GIScience), and HubBucket Atlas is a Research and Development (R&D) Division of HubBucket Inc ("HubBucket").
What is Geospatial Science (GSs)?
Geospatial is a combination of Geography and spatial. Geography is a Science about the Earth. Spatial is about the space around us. Geospatial describes the use of Spatial Analysis with Geographic Information.
Geospatial Science is the study of the Earth's people, places, and processes using Digital Information Systems and Spatial Data analytics.
Geospatial scientists use technologies like Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and global positioning to understand how things are where they are and how they interact with each other.
The term 'Geospatial Science' encompasses the concepts of Geographic Information Science, Geographic Information Systems, and Geospatial Data.
Geospatial Science is a field that combines Geographic Information Systems (GIS), geographic information science, and Geospatial data to solve complex problems.
Geospatial Science is a relatively new field that uses Digital Information Systems and Spatial Data Analytics to study the natural world and Human cultures.
What is a Geospatial Information Scientist?
A Geospatial Information Scientist specializes in the application of Geospatial Technologies and Analysis techniques to solve complex spatial problems and generate valuable insights. These scientists work with various types of Geospatial Data, including satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and geographic databases, to extract meaningful information and patterns.
Geospatial Information Scientists often work across diverse domains, including urban planning, environmental management, transportation, public health, and natural resource management. They collaborate with other professionals to develop innovative solutions and provide evidence-based recommendations for decision-making processes. Their expertise enables them to interpret spatial data in a way that helps organizations understand the relationships between geographic phenomena, make informed decisions, and optimize resource allocation in a spatial context.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Geospatial information scientists possess a deep understanding of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and spatial analysis methodologies. Their duties and responsibilities can vary depending on the specific job role and industry. However, here are some common tasks and responsibilities:
1. Data Acquisition and Integration: Geospatial information scientists are responsible for acquiring Geospatial Data from various sources such as satellite imagery, aerial photographs, LiDAR data, and field surveys. They also perform data integration, which involves combining multiple datasets and formats to create comprehensive and accurate Geospatial Databases.
2. Spatial Analysis and Modeling: Geospatial information scientists employ advanced spatial analysis techniques to explore relationships, patterns, and trends within Geospatial Data. They conduct spatial modeling to simulate real-world scenarios and predict outcomes based on spatial variables. This may involve using Geo-Statistical analysis, network analysis, spatial regression, or other analytical methods.
3. Geo-Visualization and Cartography: Geospatial information scientists create visually appealing and informative maps, charts, and graphs to effectively communicate spatial information. They use cartographic principles and GIS software to design maps that represent complex spatial data in a clear and understandable manner.
4. Geo- Database Design and Management: Geospatial information scientists design and manage Geo-Databases, which involve organizing, storing, and maintaining Geospatial Data in a structured and efficient manner. This includes data schema design, data quality assurance, database administration, and ensuring data security and integrity.
5. Spatial Decision Support: Geospatial information scientists assist in making informed decisions by providing spatial analysis and insights. They work closely with stakeholders, such as urban planners, environmental scientists, and policymakers, to understand their requirements and provide Geospatial solutions that support decision-making processes.
6. Research and Development: Geospatial information scientists often engage in research and development activities to advance the field of Geospatial Analysis. They explore new methodologies, algorithms, and technologies to improve data analysis techniques, enhance modeling capabilities, and innovate in the application of Geospatial Information Science (GIS).
7. Collaboration and Communication: Geospatial information scientists collaborate with cross-functional teams, including GIS Analysts, Data Scientists, Domain Experts, and Project Managers. They effectively communicate complex Geospatial concepts and findings to non-technical stakeholders, ensuring a shared understanding of the spatial information.
Types of Geospatial Information Scientists:
Geospatial information scientists can specialize in various domains based on their expertise and interests. Here are some types of Geospatial Information Scientists based on specialized areas:
1. Remote Sensing Scientist: Remote sensing scientists focus on the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of data collected from satellites, aircraft, or drones. They specialize in image processing, multi-spectral analysis, and applying remote sensing techniques to extract information about Earth's surface features and monitor environmental changes.
2. GIS Analyst: GIS analysts work with geographic information systems to manage, analyze, and visualize Geospatial data. They specialize in data integration, spatial analysis, and cartography, using GIS software tools to create maps, conduct spatial modeling, and provide spatial insights for various applications.
3. Spatial Data Scientist: Spatial data scientists apply advanced statistical and machine learning techniques to Geospatial Data. They specialize in spatial data analysis, Geo-Statistics, and developing predictive models using spatial variables. Spatial data scientists often work on solving complex problems and extracting actionable insights from large and diverse spatial datasets.
4. Geo-Database Specialist: Geo-Database specialists focus on the design, development, and management of Geospatial databases. They specialize in data modeling, schema design, and database administration. Geo-Database specialists ensure data integrity, establish data standards, and optimize Geo-Database performance.
5. Geospatial Planner: Geospatial planners use Geospatial technologies and analysis to support urban and regional planning processes. They specialize in analyzing spatial patterns, land use planning, transportation analysis, and conducting spatial impact assessments for urban development projects.
6. Geospatial Data Quality Specialist: Geospatial data quality specialists focus on assessing, improving, and ensuring the quality of Geospatial data. They specialize in data validation, metadata management, data standardization, and implementing quality control procedures to ensure accurate and reliable Geospatial information.
7. Geospatial Researcher: Geospatial researchers contribute to advancing the field of Geospatial information science through research and development. They specialize in exploring new methodologies, algorithms, and applications of Geospatial technologies, often working on cutting-edge projects and pushing the boundaries of spatial analysis and modeling.
What is the workplace of a Geospatial Information Scientist like?
The workplace of a Geospatial information scientist can vary depending on the specific industry, organization, and project requirements. Many Geospatial information scientists spend a significant portion of their time working in office settings. They utilize advanced software and tools to analyze and visualize Geospatial data, conduct research, and prepare reports. The office environment provides a conducive setting for data processing, collaboration with colleagues, and project coordination. Geospatial information scientists work closely with team members, stakeholders, and clients to understand project requirements and provide Geospatial solutions.
In addition to office work, Geospatial information scientists often engage in fieldwork. They may spend time outside the office, collecting Geospatial data, conducting surveys, or verifying data accuracy on-site. Fieldwork allows them to gather firsthand information, validate remote sensing data, and better understand the real-world context of the data they analyze. It also offers opportunities to collaborate with other professionals in data collection exercises and develop a deeper understanding of the spatial aspects of the projects they work on.
With advancements in technology and the availability of cloud-based GIS platforms, Geospatial information scientists also have the flexibility to work remotely. They can access and analyze spatial data from any location with an internet connection. Remote work enables Geospatial information scientists to have a more flexible work arrangement, providing them with the opportunity to work from home or other remote locations. This flexibility promotes work-life balance and allows for efficient collaboration through virtual meetings and the utilization of cloud-based GIS tools.
Geospatial information scientists often work in collaborative environments that involve multidisciplinary teams. They collaborate with professionals from various backgrounds, including GIS analysts, data scientists, environmental scientists, urban planners, and engineers. This collaborative environment facilitates knowledge sharing, brainstorming, and the integration of Geospatial information with other domains.
Geospatial information scientists may also work directly at client sites, especially in consulting or contract-based roles. Being embedded within an organization or project team allows them to provide Geospatial expertise and support on-site, fostering direct interactions with clients and a deeper understanding of their specific needs and challenges.
What are Geospatial Technologies?
Geospatial Technologies is a term used to describe the range of modern tools contributing to the geographic mapping and analysis of the Earth and human societies. These technologies have been evolving in some form since the first maps were drawn in prehistoric times. In the 19th Century, the long important schools of cartography and map-making were joined by aerial photography as early cameras were sent aloft on balloons and pigeons, and then on airplanes during the 20th Century.
The science and art of photographic interpretation and map making was accelerated during the Second World War and during the Cold War it took on new dimensions with the advent of satellites and computers. Satellites allowed images of the Earth’s surface and human activities therein with certain limitations. Computers allowed storage and transfer of imagery together with the development of associated digital software, maps, and data sets on socioeconomic and environmental phenomena, collectively called Geographic Information systems (GIS). An important aspect of a GIS is its ability to assemble the range of Geospatial Data into a layered set of maps which allow complex themes to be analyzed and then communicated to wider audiences. This ‘layering’ is enabled by the fact that all such data includes information on its precise location on the surface of the Earth, hence the term ‘Geospatial’.
Especially in the last decade, these technologies have evolved into a network of national security, scientific, and commercially operated satellites complemented by powerful desktop GIS. In addition, aerial remote sensing platforms, including unmanned aerial vehicles (e.g. the GlobalHawk reconnaissance drone), are seeing increased non-military use as well. High quality hardware and data is now available to new audiences such as universities, corporations, and non-governmental organizations. The fields and sectors deploying these technologies are currently growing at a rapid pace, informing decision makers on topics such as industrial engineering, biodiversity conservation, forest fire suppression, agricultural monitoring, humanitarian relief, and much more.
There are now a variety of types of Geospatial Technologies potentially applicable to human rights, including the following:
1. Remote Sensing: imagery and data collected from space- or airborne camera and sensor platforms. Some commercial satellite image providers now offer images showing details of one-meter or smaller, making these images appropriate for monitoring humanitarian needs and human rights abuses.
2. Geographic Information Systems (GIS): a suite of software tools for mapping and analyzing data which is Geo-referenced (assigned a specific location on the surface of the Earth, otherwise known as Geospatial data). GIS can be used to detect geographic patterns in other data, such as disease clusters resulting from toxins, sub-optimal water access, etc.
3. Global Positioning System (GPS): a network of U.S. Department of Defense satellites which can give precise coordinate locations to civilian and military users with proper receiving equipment (note: a similar European system called Galileo will be operational within the next several years while a Russian system is functioning but restricted).
4. Internet Mapping Technologies: software programs like Google Earth and web features like Microsoft Virtual Earth are changing the way Geospatial data is viewed and shared. The developments in user interface are also making such technologies available to a wider audience whereas traditional GIS has been reserved for specialists and those who invest time in learning complex software programs.
Geographic Information Science (GIScience, GISc) or Geo-Information Science
Geographic information science (GIScience, GISc) or Geo-Information science is a scientific discipline at the crossroads of computational science, social science, and natural science that studies geographic information, including how it represents phenomena in the real world, how it represents the way humans understand the world, and how it can be captured, organized, and analyzed. It is a sub-field of geography, specifically part of technical geography. It has applications to both physical geography and human geography, although its techniques can be applied to many other fields of study as well as many different industries.
As a field of study or profession, it can be contrasted with geographic information systems (GIS), which are the actual repositories of Geospatial Data, the software tools for carrying out relevant tasks, and the profession of GIS users. That said, one of the major goals of GIScience is to find practical ways to improve GIS data, software, and professional practice; it is more focused on how GIS is applied in real life as opposed to being a geographic information system tool in and of itself. The field is also sometimes called Geographical Information Science (GIS).
British geographer Michael Goodchild defined this area in the 1990s and summarized its core interests, including spatial analysis,
visualization, and the representation of uncertainty. GIScience is conceptually related to Geomatics, information science, computer science, and data science, but it claims the status of an independent scientific discipline. Recent developments in the field have expanded its focus to include studies on human dynamics in hybrid physical-virtual worlds, quantum GIScience, the development of smart cities, and the social and environmental impacts of technological innovations. These advancements indicate a growing intersection of GIScience with contemporary societal and technological issues. Overlapping disciplines are: Geo-Computation, Geo-Informatics, Geomatics and Geo-Visualization. Other related terms are geographic data science (after data science) and geographic information science and technology (GISci&T), with job titles Geospatial Information Scientists and technologists.
Geographic Information Science (GIScience) is the basic research field that seeks to redefine geographic concepts and their use in the context of geographic information systems. GIScience also examines the impacts of GIS on individuals and society, and the influences of society on GIS.
GIScience re-examines some of the most fundamental themes in traditional spatially oriented fields such as geography, cartography, and geodesy,
while incorporating more recent developments in cognitive and information science. It also overlaps with and draws from more specialized research fields such as computer science, statistics, mathematics, and psychology, and contributes to progress in those fields. It supports research in political science and anthropology, and draws on those fields in studies of geographic information and society.