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Putting a value on geospatial data
18 July 2012
Images of the Earth, such as those captured by NASA's Landsat satellites, sea surface temperature measurements, and other forms of satellite data play a critical role in helping Earth scientists understand and map the changing face of our planet. But geospatial data has far-reaching social and economic benefits too, especially as society blazes into the new and interactive realms the digital era has enabled.
"Information and data are a global currency. The 24/7 digital economy and global business environment have paved the way for even more competition," said Peter Sullivan, surveyor general of Canada and commissioner for the International Boundary Commission. He was speaking at a workshop on the Socio-Economic Benefits of Geospatial Information, held at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado, from June 12 to 14.
The three-day conference brought together a multinational group of about 80 participants, including scientists from academia and U.S. federal agencies as well as speakers from the private sector, economists, and government representatives. The aim was to explore geospatial data’s contribution to society at large, as well as methods for quantifying and communicating that contribution to decision-makers and the public.
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Source: Earthzine
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