Geomapping allows you to collect and analyze geospatial data to build a map or visualization of your land.
If you’re interested in gaining additional insights into your land through various types of data, keep reading.
We’ll discuss what geomapping is and how you can use the information you’ve collected to make informed decisions about your property.
1. What is geomapping?
Geomapping is the process of collecting and analyzing data related to geographic locations to create a visual representation of the data on a map.
This process is also called geographic mapping or geospatial analysis.
Geomapping can be used to analyze a wide range of data types such as topography, soil types, population data, and land use patterns.
It’s an efficient way for people to analyze data and see trends, which is why it’s a helpful tool for landowners.
2. How is geomapping performed?
Geomapping is performed with different technologies like robotic CCTV cameras, electromagnetic sonar hardware, GPS collection devices, and Geographic Information System (GIS) software.
Essentially, location-based data like names, addresses, sales numbers, demographic information, and more are used to create a map that makes this information easy to visualize, assess, and use in decision-making.
In many cases, data just looks like data until you put it into a map or model.
Because geomapping allows you to visualize the information, you can spot trends and new opportunities for your business.
3. What are the benefits of geomapping for landowners?
If you’re new to the world of geomapping, learn about the benefits it offers landowners.
Enhanced land management
Landowners aren’t able to use their land efficiently when they don’t understand it well.
This is where geomapping comes in.
It allows landowners to collect and analyze geospatial data, which results in them gaining a better understanding of their property.
What could be discovered from this data?
You can learn everything from soil types to water resources to topography.
Many landowners will use this information when trying to decide about land use for a property.
However, geomapping can also be useful when it comes to resource management and conservation efforts.
Increased efficiency
Knowledge is power, and if you’re caring for a large plot of land, it may not be immediately evident where you should put your attention.
Thus, when you’re trying to identify areas of your property that need your focus, geo-mapping is a great tool.
It also helps to increase efficiency because it’s immediately evident which portion of your land needs your time, resources, and attention.
Improved communication
Geomapping can help you, as a landowner, more effectively communicate with other stakeholders like government agencies and community organizations.
When you’ve created a geo map, you’ve built a visual representation of data that others can easily understand and interpret.
It’s an amazing starting point for any conversation, and it can help support any of your asks.
4. What types of geospatial data can be collected?
There are various types of geospatial data that you can collect and analyze as a landowner.
Here are some that you may consider using and representing in the form of a geo map.
Physical features
Topography, soil types, and water resources are physical features that can be mapped on geo maps using geospatial data.
Land use
Another type of data that geomapping can be used to analyze include land use pattern.
This includes the location and density of urban and rural areas, agricultural land, and natural areas.
Environmental data
Environmental data like climate patterns, air and water quality, and natural hazards are another type of data that can be analyzed with geomapping.
Social and economic data
Geomapping can be used to analyze social and economic data as well.
This type of data includes population density, income levels, and access to services like healthcare and education.
5. How is geospatial data collected?
Geospatial data is “information that describes objects, events, or other features with a location on or near the surface of the Earth.”
You can collect this information using the following methods.
Satellite imagery: Satellite imagery can provide high-resolution data on physical features and land use patterns.
Aerial photography: Aerial photography is a common way to collect data on physical features and land use patterns at a more detailed level than satellite imagery.
Global position systems (GPS): GPS technology can be used to collect data on both physical features and land use patterns at a local level.
Drones: Drones can be used to collect different types of data and high-resolution imagery on physical features.
They can also identify land use patterns at a more detailed level than satellite imagery or aerial photography.
6. How can landowners use geospatial data?
Landowners new to geomapping may feel unsure of the best ways to use geospatial data to operate their property or run their business.
Fortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all way to do this.
Consider the most common ways that landowners are able to use geospatial data:
Land use planning
If you want a way to make informed decisions about your property, consider geomapping.
This allows you to gain more information about your land, so you have a better idea of how to use it well.
You can evaluate the best way to plant crops or where to build structures.
Resource management
Certain areas of a large property may need more time, attention, or resources than others.
If you have a property large enough that you struggle to walk it easily, then having geospatial data help identify where you should focus your time is extraordinarily helpful.
This data can tell you which areas are prone to erosion or areas with high water usage.
Conservation efforts
Certain areas of land should always be dedicated to conservation.
For example, wetlands or areas with endangered species are protected by the government.
Even if you own lands with wetlands, they must be protected.
A main issue that landowners run into is not quickly identifying that there are wetlands on their property.
However, geospatial data is a tool that you can use for this identification process, and it will allow you to dedicate additional time and attention to the necessary conservation efforts.
Risk assessment
Landowners can use geospatial data to assess the risk of natural hazards like floods, wildfires, and landslides.
This allows landowners to take appropriate measures to reduce the risk of damage to their property.
Communication with stakeholders
As noted above, geospatial data and geomapping can help ease tensions with stakeholders.
When you have geospatial data that you can turn into maps, you can show this information to any stakeholders you may be trying to convince of a certain action.
Whether you’re working with government agencies, community organizations, or neighbors, geomapping provides a visual representation of the geospatial data you’re trying to present.
You’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to sway people’s opinions when your data is easy to understand and interpret.
7. What are some tools for analyzing geospatial data?
Are you ready to get started with geomapping today?
Here are some tools that you can use to analyze geospatial data.
Google Maps
You’ve probably heard of and used Google Maps before.
It’s used to explore geospatial data for any location in the world.
It’s a great starting point if you want to jump into the world of geomapping.
QGIS
QGIS is a free and open-source mapping software package that allows users to analyze and visualize geospatial data.
ArcGIS
While ArcGIS is a powerful software package that allows users to analyze and visualize geospatial data, it’s a more expensive option than the others on this list.
We recommend using this once you become more experienced.
Grass GIS
This is a free and open-source software package that’s widely used for geospatial analysis and modeling.
R
You may be most familiar with R as a programming language and software environment for statistical computing and graphics.
However, it can also be used for geospatial analysis.
Some of these tools are simple online mapping options while others are complex software packages.
If you’re just starting out, dip your toes in with software like Google Maps before you’re ready to move on to more complex options.
When you’re ready, you may also find it helpful to create your own geo map, so you can see how that side of the tool works as well.
8. How can you create your own geo map?
Are you interested in creating your own geo map with the geospatial data you have on hand?
Consider using Maptive.
This simple tool allows you to build a geo map in just a few minutes.
Here are the steps:
Sign up for a Maptive free trial account
Login to the account you created
Click “Data” at the top of the screen
Upload your business data from a spreadsheet (or enter it manually)
Your sheet should include header columns like address, city, zip code, name, phone number, etc.
Click “Map” at the top of the screen to view a pin map of your data
Use Maptive’s tools and customizable options to display your data however you prefer
9. What are some quick types of geo maps you can make?
If you like immediate gratification, you may want to test out some geo maps that you can make in less than 10 minutes.
This will give you a taste of how geomapping works and allow you to see how using this method may help you in your day-to-day tasks as a landowner.
Here are a few types of maps to keep in mind:
Heat maps
Heat maps measure density and identify areas with a large cluster of data points as well as gaps in your services.
If you’re looking to spot trends and opportunities that could benefit your business, a heat map is a great place to start.
What could you analyze?
Consider everything from property sales to population and property density.
Territory maps
Territory maps are especially useful for anyone looking to compare different regions or sections of the map.
For instance, if you are buying land in different areas, then this is a great map to use so you can segment the various territories.
You can do this based on unique characteristics like zip code, county, state, or congressional district.
It’s also possible to draw custom territories on a geo map.
Radius maps
These types of maps have various uses that allow you to create better analyze properties.
We recommend using radius maps for purposes like:
Targeting land in your area
Deciding the best spots to purchase land
Determining suitable areas for timber harvesting operations
Assessing the potential impact of timber management activities or development on the surrounding environment
Delineate zones on a property based on regulatory requirements or best management practices (stream management zones, setbacks, wetlands, critical habitats etc.)
Wildfire management planning
Conservation management planning
Mapping the distance to key assets (stores, natural parks, etc.) and liabilities (superfund sites, power plants, etc.)
10. Is geomapping the same thing as geotagging?
No.
Although the terms may sound somewhat similar, geomapping and geotagging are distinct from each other.
Geotagging is when geographic coordinate information is attached to images, video, and other media recorded by smartphones or other GPS-enabled electronic devices.
Though separate, geotagging provides helpful insight into consumer activity, which could be useful to a business owner who is also using geomapping.
Brands are able to see how consumers are engaging with them.
Geotags also reveal information like where individuals are when they interact with the website as well as where they move throughout the day with their mobile devices.
Final Thoughts
Are you looking for a way to enhance your land use, resource management, and conservation efforts?
Look no further than geomapping!
Using geospatial data can allow landowners to gain a better understanding of their property, so they can identify useful patterns, notice which areas need additional attention, and make more informed decisions.
Start using geomapping as part of your land management strategy today!
Additional Resources
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Disclaimer: we are not lawyers, accountants or financial advisors and the information in this article is for informational purposes only. This article is based on our own research and experience and we do our best to keep it accurate and up-to-date, but it may contain errors. Please be sure to consult a legal or financial professional before making any investment decisions.
Prior to starting Gokce Capital, Erika received a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Southern California and a graduate degree in Urban Policy from Columbia University. She worked as both an architectural designer and engineer in New York before joining the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development.
Erika currently lives in the New York Metropolitan area with her spouse, daughter and cat. She is originally from Chicago and still considers herself a midwesterner at heart.
Erika also loves to read, write and travel (fun fact, she has visited all 50 states and more than 30 countries!). Her new book, Land Investing Mistakes: 11 True Stories You Need To Know Before Buying Land, is now available on Amazon.