What is primary GIS data?

Primary GIS data refers to data that is collected specifically for a Geographic Information System project in a format that is compatible with GIS applications. This often involves gathering information directly from the field using methods such as GPS, remote sensing, or other survey techniques. The emphasis on a digital format highlights that the data is captured in a manner that allows for immediate integration and analysis within a GIS environment, thus making it ready for use in applications that involve mapping and spatial analysis.

While data collected in other formats, such as paper or qualitative data from interviews and surveys, can be important, they do not constitute primary GIS data in the digital sense unless they are subsequently converted into a digital format suitable for geospatial analysis. Non-geospatial data lacks the geographical context necessary for GIS applications, as it does not contain locational attributes. Therefore, identifying the primary GIS data as specifically collected in a digital format for GIS projects emphasizes its relevance and utility within the field of Geographic Information Systems.