The Sources & Power of Geographic Data (College Board AP® Human Geography)

Spatial data is gathered in multiple forms, including:

• field observations

• journalism

• travel narratives

• personal interviews

• landscape analysis

• photographs

Spatial data can be either qualitative or quantitative

• Qualitative data tends to be opinion-based and is not expressed in numerical quantities

  • Opinion surveys, descriptions, and interviews are examples of qualitative data

• Quantitative data can be measured in numerical terms

  • Population, temperature, and average income are examples of quantitative data

Spatial and geographical data are used by decision-makers at all levels to solve problems

• For example, census data, income levels, or population density can all be used by individuals, businesses, and politicians to address real-world questions

• Census tracts also provide data on smaller areas in the United States

Identifying spatial patterns allows governments, organizations, and individuals to make informed choices

• Spatial patterns are used in deciding funding for schools, hospitals, and other services 

However, data collection has limitations and should be used carefully

• The scale at which data is collected can influence its usefulness 

  • For example, collecting information about literacy levels at a national scale will mask potential drastic differences between urban and rural levels of literacy

  • Without knowing where illiteracy is most prevalent, policymakers will not know where and how to best spend their resources.