Georeferencing is the process of aligning satellite imagery or other types of maps with real-world geographic coordinates. In simple words, it involves taking an image of the Earth's surface, and placing it accurately on a map of the same area.
To georeference an image, you need to identify a set of ground control points on the image, which are known locations on the Earth's surface with known geographic coordinates. These ground control points serve as reference points to align the image with the actual geographic coordinates of the area. Once the image is aligned with the geographic coordinates, it can be used to create accurate maps, perform spatial analysis, or combine with other datasets to extract useful information.
Georeferencing is important because it allows satellite imagery or other types of maps to be accurately integrated with other geographic data. This enables users to perform spatial analysis, track changes over time, or create maps for a variety of purposes, such as urban planning, natural resource management, or emergency response.
Some common use cases of georeferencing include:
Overall, georeferencing is a crucial step in using satellite imagery or other types of maps for spatial analysis, mapping, and monitoring purposes.