ABSTRACT
Following comments related to the first three objectives, this chapter focuses on objective number four, spatial data accuracy.
The digital revolution is characterized by using the electronic computer and related devices to collect, store, analyze, and report information about the world and human activities-from the cradle to the grave. Using computers to keep track of spatial data is only a small part of the digital revolution-but it is an important part. Scientists, mathematicians, cartographers, and others have been observing, recording, and describing our world for generations. Although many others also deserve credit, two persons are recognized for specific contributions-Gerardus Mercator is widely acclaimed as the mapmaker who revolutionized cartography, and René Descartes (1596-1650), perhaps better known as a philosopher, was a mathematician who systematized analytical geometry and gave us the Cartesian coordinate system. The profound impact of their combined legacy has permeated mapping and the use of spatial data for the past 400 years. Without making light of their work, the digital revolution justifies a new look at fundamental assumptions, and the GSDM identifies additional innovative tools available for working with 3-D spatial data.
