Geospatial Data Science vs. Traditional Desktop GIS

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Geospatial data science (GDS) and traditional desktop GIS (geographic information system) are two distinct approaches to analyzing and visualizing geospatial data. While both approaches have their own strengths and weaknesses, they are designed to serve different purposes and are best suited for different applications. In this article, we will explore the differences between GDS and traditional desktop GIS in terms of data processing, data analysis, data visualization, and overall usability.

  • Data Processing: GDS and traditional desktop GIS differ in the way they process geospatial data. GDS typically uses big data processing tools like Hadoop, Spark, and NoSQL databases to store, process, and analyze large volumes of geospatial data. These tools are designed to scale to handle petabyte-sized data sets and provide efficient parallel processing capabilities. In contrast, traditional desktop GIS relies on centralized data management systems, such as relational databases and file systems, which are designed to manage smaller data sets and may not be as scalable or efficient as the big data processing tools used in GDS.
  • Data Analysis: Another key difference between GDS and traditional desktop GIS is the way they approach data analysis. GDS is designed to be a more flexible and open-ended approach to data analysis. It uses a variety of statistical methods, machine learning algorithms, and data visualization techniques to analyze data in an exploratory manner. This allows users to uncover patterns and insights that may not have been discovered using traditional desktop GIS. On the other hand, traditional desktop GIS focuses on providing a more structured and controlled approach to data analysis. This includes tools for data querying, spatial analysis, and visualization, but the range of tools is often limited to what the software provides and may not allow for as much flexibility as in GDS.
  • Data Visualization: Geospatial data science (GDS) and traditional desktop GIS (geographic information system) are two distinct approaches to analyzing and visualizing geospatial data. While both approaches have their own strengths and weaknesses, they are designed to serve different purposes and are best suited for different applications. In this article, we will explore the differences between GDS and traditional desktop GIS in terms of data processing, data analysis, data visualization, and overall usability.
  • Usability: Another key difference between GDS and traditional desktop GIS is the overall usability of the two approaches. GDS is designed to be a more accessible and user-friendly approach to geospatial data analysis, making it easier for users with little to no technical background to explore and analyze geospatial data. Traditional desktop GIS, on the other hand, is often designed with more technical users in mind, requiring users to have a certain level of technical expertise to effectively use the software.

GDS and traditional desktop GIS also differ in the way they approach data visualization. GDS is designed to be a more dynamic and interactive approach to data visualization, using tools like D3.js and Tableau to create interactive maps and visualizations that allow users to explore data in new and innovative ways. Traditional desktop GIS, on the other hand, typically provides a more static approach to data visualization, relying on pre-defined templates and data display options to present data to users.

(Image by WangXiNa on Freepik)

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