What is the difference between spatial and non spatial data? Explain with examples.

Explanation

Spatial Data: The spatial data represent a geographical space. They are characterised bhy the ponts, line and the polygons. The point data represent positional characteristics of some of the geographical features such as schools, hospitals, wells, tube -wells, towns and villages. etc. on the map. In other words, if we want to present occurrence of the objects on a map in dimensionless scale but with reference to location, we use points. Similarly, lines are used to depict linear featurea like roads, railway lines, canals, rivers, power and communication lines, etc. Polygons are made up of a number of inter connected lines bounding a certain area and are used to show area features such as administrative units (countries, districts, states, blocks), and use types (cultivated area, forest lands, degraded/ wastelands, pastures, etc) and features like ponds, lakes, etc.
Non-spatial Data: The data describing the information about spatial data are called as non spatial or attribute data. For example if you have a map showing positional location of your shcool you can attach the information such as the name fo the school, subject stream it offers, number of students in each class, schedule fo admissions, teaching and examinations, available facilities like library, labs, equipments, etc. In other words, you will be defining the attributes of the spatial data. Thus non spatial data are also known as attribute data.
Sources of Geographical Data: The geographical data are available in analogue (map and aerial photographs) or digital form scaned images).