What is geoinformation?

The term “geoinformation” refers to geographic data with a spatial orientation. These data describe the situation and characteristics of a country based on coordinates, place names, postal addresses and other criteria. In today’s communication society they form the basis for processes, planning, measures and decision-making of all kinds, at the administrative level, in the business and science sectors and in the private sphere. 

Who uses geoinformation?

Geoinformation has become essential in practically all walks of life: transport, energy, environmental protection, computer science and telecommunications, education, culture, insurance and health care, national defence, household security, civil protection and disaster control, logistics and waste management.

As a key element of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure, the significance of geoinformation is comparable to that of transport and communications networks or the nationwide power and water supply in a modern society.

Even in the business world, geoinformation is indispensable for planning and decision-making in product design, marketing, logistics and distribution, for investment decisions or site selection. Considering the enormous political and economic potential, geoinformation is a first-class economic asset.