Proposal of Redefinition of the Terms Geomatics and Geoinformatics on the Basis of Terminological Postulates

Abstract

The article attempts to redefine the names for the research area, which is the use of information systems for the analysis and management of spatial data. To resolve the nomenclature issues, the studies were conducted into the structure evolution of spatial data, and on software for these data processing, GIS acronyms were reviewed; another study was performed by means of terminological analogies, comparing definitions of similar, in terms of word formation, names referred to other areas of research. Moreover, questionnaires of job positions were analysed and, based on a literature review, the nomenclature used to define the field of studies on spatial data was analysed. The conducted studies resulted in the development of seven terminological postulates intended for the formulation of limitations and rules to give new definitions. The new author’s definitions of geomatics and geoinformatics terms are presented at the end of the paper.