What is a common requirement before georeferencing can occur?

For effective georeferencing to take place, data must be in a projected coordinate system. This is crucial because georeferencing involves aligning spatial data with geographical coordinates in a consistent manner, allowing for accurate overlay and integration with other spatial datasets. A projected coordinate system provides a way to accurately represent the earth's surface on a two-dimensional plane while allowing for precise measurements, which is essential for the correct placement of data.

When working with aerial imagery, satellite imagery, or other mapping datasets that need to be accurately positioned to real-world coordinates, ensuring that the data is in a suitable projected coordinate system is vital. This allows users to ensure that their data aligns properly with existing layers in a GIS application, facilitating analysis and decision-making processes.

While having data in a digital format and ensuring it is correct and complete are important factors in preparing for georeferencing, they do not specifically address the need for spatial alignment that is achievable through a projected coordinate system. Additionally, the availability of data in a cloud environment is becoming increasingly common but does not affect the fundamental requirements for georeferencing itself. Therefore, the emphasis on a projected coordinate system as a prerequisite highlights its critical importance in successful georeferencing operations.