What refers to information that is associated with specific locations on the Earth's surface?

The term that refers to information associated with specific locations on the Earth's surface is geographic information. This encompasses a wide range of data types, including attributes linked to geographic locations, such as coordinates, maps, and other location-based information. Geographic information is fundamental in various applications, including urban planning, environmental studies, and resource management, as it allows users to understand the spatial aspects of various phenomena.

The context of geographic information emphasizes the importance of location in interpreting and analyzing data. Unlike other concepts like spatial analysis, which is focused on techniques to analyze the relationships and patterns within geographical data, or data visualization, which refers to the tools and methods used to represent data graphically, geographic information centers specifically on the ties between data and their physical locations.

Geospatial data, while closely related, is often seen as a broader term that encompasses any data with geographic coordinates or components. Geographic information specifically highlights the significance of that data in understanding the Earth's surface. This distinction is crucial for effective communication and analysis in the geospatial field.