What is Spatial Information and why is it important

Any information that provides a “spatial element” to other data – an address or a map reference for example – is known as spatial or geographic information.  Providing a spatial element to data enables it to be stored and used with other related information in a useful and logical way. The resulting databases can begin to satisfy the needs that the wider Europe has to relate data from a number of different sources. When properly referenced in this way, the full potential value of most data becomes available and enables it to contribute to the good governance of Europe, to the protection of the environment, to economic and social development, and even to properly informed public participation. It also opens the door to such new applications as satellite positioning systems and personal navigation devices.