What does georeferencing involve?

Georeferencing is a critical process in geographic information systems (GIS) that involves linking spatial data to specific geographic locations. This is achieved by assigning real-world coordinates to the data, ensuring that the information corresponds accurately to its true position on the Earth's surface. This process is essential for integrating data from different sources, especially when they originate from various coordinate systems or formats.

When spatial data is georeferenced, it can be used in conjunction with other spatial datasets, allowing for comprehensive analysis and visualization. This capability enhances the usefulness of the data in mapping, planning, and spatial analysis, making it a foundational aspect of working with GIS.

In contrast, mapping historical data pertains to representing events or information from the past, which is different from the fundamental concept of linking data to locations. Creating visualizations of complex data focuses on displaying data in an understandable format rather than establishing geographical connections. Similarly, calculating distances between points is a specific analytical function that may be performed on georeferenced data but does not encompass the broader process of georeferencing itself.