GEODATA IN SCIENCE – A REVIEW OF SELECTED SCIENTIFIC FIELDS

Abstract

Aim of the study: Today, completely new forms of geo-information systems are becoming increasingly popular. New technological possibilities allow these systems to be adapted to the requirements and needs of societies. This paper is an extensive literature review of the use of geodata in various scientific fields, in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines. However, as there is no universal agreement as to which disciplines are included in the STEM, the authors also included related fields such as geography or transport. Material and methods: Already a preliminary analysis of the Web of Science Core Collection database has shown that geodata is used very widely, in every scientific discipline analysed (with varying degrees of sophistication). The main objective of the paper is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the usage of geodata in five areas: bathymetric measurements, satellite geodata, aerial retrieved geodata, levelling networks, and GIS data. Results and conclusions: The results showed the increasing availability of data that can contribute to a better understanding and management of our planet. Geodata as a tool is overly broad and general, and it is used or might be used in every discipline of science.