What kind of data is essential for spatial decisions and mapping?

Geospatial data is fundamentally essential for spatial decisions and mapping because it encompasses information that is directly related to the geographic locations on the Earth's surface. This type of data includes various forms of information such as coordinates, imagery, and attributes that are vital for analyzing and interpreting spatial relationships.

In the context of spatial decision-making, geospatial data provides the framework for understanding patterns, trends, and anomalies in the context of geography. It facilitates effective mapping, as it can be visualized and manipulated using geographic information systems (GIS), allowing users to perform spatial analyses and create models that inform decision-making processes.

The other types of data mentioned, while potentially useful in specific contexts, do not universally apply to spatial decisions. For instance, gradient data is more focused on changes in slope or inclination, tidal data is specific to oceanographic studies and coastal management, and elevation data, though important for some analyses, is just one component of the broader geospatial context. Hence, geospatial data stands out as the foundational element necessary for a wide range of spatial applications in mapping and decision-making.