Skill Enchanement Course

Name of Course- Geospatial Data

Open Data Sources

Submitted by - Name= Dipender

Roll no.=1240039025
Class = B.A 1 year

Submitted to - Dr. Joginder

 Exercise -1

Geospatial Data
1.1 Geospatial Data :

Geospatial data, also known as geo-data or spatial data, is information that relates
to a specific location on Earth's surface. It combines location information, often
using coordinates, with other attributes about objects, events, or phenomena at that
location. Essentially, it connects real-world objects with their geographic position.

Key Concepts:

 Location Information:

This is the core of geospatial data, usually represented by coordinates (latitude and
longitude) but can also include addresses, postal codes, or other locational identifiers.

 Attribute Information:

This describes the characteristics or properties of the object, event, or phenomenon at that
location. Examples include population density, land use, or temperature.

 Temporal Information:

Sometimes, geospatial data also includes information about the time when the object, event,
or phenomenon exists or occurs at a particular location.

 Geographic Information Systems (GIS):

Geospatial data is often managed and analyzed using GIS software, which provides tools
for visualizing, analyzing, and managing spatial data.
Types of Geospatial Data:

 Vector Data:

Uses points, lines, and polygons to represent geographic features. Examples include cities,
roads, and buildings.

 Raster Data:
 Represents spatial features as a grid of cells or pixels. Examples include satellite imagery
and digital elevation models.
Examples of Geospatial Data:

 Maps (showing roads, rivers, cities).

 Satellite imagery.

 GPS data from vehicles or smartphones.

 Environmental monitoring data (temperature, pollution).

 Population density maps.

 Land use maps.

Applications of Geospatial Data:

 Mapping and Navigation: Creating maps and navigation systems.

 Environmental Monitoring: Tracking pollution, deforestation, and climate change.

 Urban Planning: Planning infrastructure, transportation, and land use.

 Disaster Management: Responding to earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters.

 Business and Marketing: Targeting customers based on location.

 Public Health: Monitoring disease outbreaks and targeting intervention

 Exercise- 2

Types of geospatial data

1.2 Types of geospatial data

Geospatial data can be broadly categorized into two main types: vector data and
raster data. Vector data represents features like points, lines, and polygons, while
raster data uses a grid of cells to represent information, like satellite imagery or
elevation models. These types are often used together for comprehensive analysis
and visualization of geographical phenomena.

1. Vector Data:

 Representation:

Vector data uses geometric objects (points, lines, polygons) to represent features on Earth's
surface.

 Examples:

Points can represent landmarks or cities, lines can depict roads or rivers, and polygons can
define areas like forests or buildings.

 Advantages:

Vector data is efficient in representing spatial relationships and is easy to manipulate and
query.

 Disadvantages:
Can be more complex to represent complex continuous surfaces compared to raster data.
2. Raster Data:

 Representation:

Raster data uses a grid of cells (pixels) to represent information, with each cell having a
value.

 Examples:
 Satellite imagery, digital elevation models, and aerial surveys are common examples.

 Advantages:

Raster data is good for representing continuous surfaces and can store large amounts of
information.

 Disadvantages:
Can be less efficient in representing discrete features compared to vector data and may
require more storage space.
Additional Types and Considerations:

 Attribute Data:

Often associated with spatial data, attribute data describes characteristics of the spatial
features (e.g., the population of a city).

 Temporal Data:

Captures changes in geospatial data over time, such as the movement of a vehicle or the
progression of a wildfire.

 3D Data:

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and point cloud data provide 3D representations of
the Earth's surface.

 Data Formats:
Different formats are used to store geospatial data, including GeoJSON, Shapefiles, and
GeoPackages
 Exercise- 3

Vector and Raster

1.3 Vector and Raster:

In Geographic Information Systems (GIS), data can be represented in two primary

formats: raster and vector. Raster data uses a grid of cells or pixels to represent
geographic features, like satellite imagery or elevation models, while vector data
uses points, lines, and polygons to define boundaries, such as roads or buildings.

Raster Data:

 Representation:

Raster data represents geographic information as a grid of cells or pixels, where each cell
holds a value representing a particular attribute, such as elevation or land cover.

 Usage:

Raster data is well-suited for representing continuous data, like satellite imagery, aerial
photographs, and elevation models, where subtle variations in values are important.

 Advantages:

 Simple to process and analyze, especially for tasks like spatial modeling and image analysis.

 Good for representing continuous data and surfaces.

Disadvantages:
 Less accurate for representing precise geographic features with well-defined boundaries, like
roads or buildings.

 Resolution-dependent; higher resolution means more data storage but better detail.

 Can become pixelated when zoomed in.

Vector Data:
 Representation:
 Vector data uses points, lines, and polygons to represent geographic features, with each
feature having additional attribute data, like name or type, stored in a table.

 Usage:

Vector data is ideal for representing discrete geographic features, such as roads, buildings,
and property boundaries, where precision and accuracy are crucial.

 Advantages:

 Highly accurate and precise for representing well-defined geographic features.

 Easier to edit and update compared to raster data.

 Scalable without losing detail.

Disadvantages:
 Not ideal for representing continuous data or surfaces.

 Can be more complex to process and analyze than raster data.

 May require more storage space for complex geometries.



Key Differences:

Feature Raster Data Vector Data

Representation Grid of cells/pixels Points, lines, polygons

Best Use Continuous data, images, surfaces Discrete features, boundaries

Accuracy Less accurate, resolution-dependent High accuracy, precise boundaries

Storage Generally less storage for simpler data May require more storage for complex geometries

Editing More difficult to edit individual pixels Easier to edit individual features
 Exercise- 4

sources of open data

1.4 sources of open data :
Open geospatial data refers to publicly available spatial information that anyone
can access, use, and share without restrictions. This data encompasses a wide range
of information tied to specific geographic locations, including features like roads,
buildings, and natural environments. Key sources of open geospatial data
include government agencies, research institutions, and community-driven
initiatives like OpenStreetMap.

Key Aspects of Open Geospatial Data:

 Definition:

Open geospatial data is characterized by its accessibility, reusability, and sharing

potential. It's designed to be freely available for various purposes, from mapping to spatial
analysis.

 Data Types:

Geospatial data can be vector data (representing points, lines, and polygons) or raster data
(like satellite imagery), encompassing various attributes related to geographical features.

 Data Sources:

 Government Agencies: Many governments, including those at the federal, state, and local
levels, release geospatial datasets related to land use, demographics, infrastructure, and
environmental data.

 Research Institutions: Universities and research organizations often publish datasets collected
through scientific studies, including ecological, geological, and hydrological information.

 OpenStreetMap (OSM): OpenStreetMap is a community-driven mapping project that provides

a comprehensive and detailed collection of global geospatial data, updated and maintained by
volunteers.
 Open Data Principles:

Open data adheres to principles like accessibility, reusability, and accessibility, allowing
for broader application and collaboration.

Applications:
Geospatial data has diverse applications, including urban planning, environmental
monitoring, disaster response, and business analytics.
Examples of Open Geospatial Data Sources:

 [Link]:

[Link] is a US government website that hosts a vast library of open data, including
geospatial datasets.

 National Land Cover Database (NLCD):

Provided by the USGS, this dataset offers detailed information on land cover and land use
across the United States.

 National Hydrography Dataset (NHD):

Also from the USGS, the NHD provides information on rivers, lakes, and other water
bodies.

 OpenStreetMap (OSM):
A globally sourced map of the world, offering a wide range of geospatial information
 Exercise-5

Bhuwan
1.5 Bhuwan
Bhuvan, the Indian Geo-portal of ISRO, provides a platform to visualize remote sensing
data, download satellite data free of cost and allows government departments to host
customized applications to enable effective governance. Bhuvan as a portal can store,
processing, managing, serving and visualizing, monitoring and generating data products
with different granularity and originating from different data sources; while Bhuvan as a
collaboration platform helps in planning and development, monitoring & evaluation, asset
mapping and inventory creations, decision making, reporting & advisory, and resource
management.

The search feature seamlessly incorporates Natural Language Processing methods,

facilitating searches through both audio and text inputs. It covers a diverse array of data,
including state, district, town, and village names, as well as points of interest. Moreover,
users can search URLs in conjunction with this information. Furthermore, users can explore
thematic data, such as 'waterbodies in Hyderabad,' 'builtup areas in Guntur,' 'forests in Pali,'
and more. The system has delved into ASR model exploration, resulting in support for four
languages. Utilizing open-source technologies, every aspect, from the search functionality
to the ASR capabilities, has been constructed. This strategy prioritizes transparency,
accessibility, and the potential for ongoing enhancement

1. Standard Mode: Seamlessly navigate maps, explore points of interest, and access basic
natural resource information for everyday users and mobile enthusiasts with added voice-
based search.
2. Thematic Mode: Thematic mode offers visualization, analysis, and download options
for various thematic datasets, prepared by NRSC in collaboration with stakeholders.
3. Scientific Mode: Explore multi-sensor satellite data, conduct advanced analysis, and
access scientific datasets for research, development, and applications.
4. Governance Mode: Access sector-wise g-Governance applications and citizen-centric
applications with user-friendly interfaces for efficient governance and decision-making.
5. Disaster Services Mode: Provide near-real-time disaster alerts, access emergency
resources, and facilitate coordination and response efforts for disaster management and
relief operations.

Bhuvan APIs form the backbone of Bhuvan's geospatial ecosystem, enabling developers to
seamlessly integrate location intelligence into their applications for mapping, visualization,
analysis, and more.

Know Your Resources (KYR) provides a comprehensive platform for accessing detailed
information about India's natural and man-made resources, facilitating informed decision-
making and sustainable development initiatives.

Bhuvan Store serves as a vibrant catalouge for geospatial products, services, and
applications, catering to diverse user needs and fostering innovation in the geospatial
community.

Disclaimer: Use of Drawing and Measurement Tools: The drawing and measurement
tools provided on this website are intended for informational and illustrative purposes only.
While we strive to ensure accuracy and reliability, we cannot guarantee the precision or
correctness of the data produced by these tools.

Accuracy of Measurements: The measurement tools provided on this website may not
always reflect precise measurements. Factors such as screen resolution, browser
compatibility, and device settings can affect the accuracy of measurements. Users are
advised to use these measurements as estimates only and to verify critical dimensions
through other means if necessary.

Fig. 1 Interface of Bhuvan website

Fig. 2 Picture of open Data

Fig. 3 Picture of logging in the Bhuvan

Fig. 4 Picture of Bhuvan 3D

 Exercise- 6

USGS/GLCF
1.6 USGS/GLCF
USGS/GLCF refers to the Global Land Cover Facilities (GLCF), a center within
the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) that develops and distributes remotely sensed
satellite data and products related to land cover. These products help researchers
understand and map land cover from local to global scales, with a focus on
providing flexible, large-area databases for earth science research.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Key aspects of USGS/GLCF:

 Remotely Sensed Data:

GLCF uses satellite imagery to analyze and understand land cover characteristics.

 Global Focus:

GLCF provides data and products that cover the entire globe.

 Land Cover Characterization:

GLCF focuses on identifying and mapping different types of land cover, such as forests,
grasslands, urban areas, and water bodies.

 Data Products:

GLCF produces various land cover datasets, including global land cover maps and time
series data.

 Science Data Requirements:

GLCF is designed to address the data needs of the scientific community, particularly those
related to global change research.

 Collaboration:
 GLCF collaborates with other agencies, universities, and international organizations to
develop and distribute data.

 Earth Explorer:

The USGS uses the Earth Explorer (EE) tool, which allows users to search and download
satellite imagery and other data from various sources, including GLCF.

 GloVis:
The USGS also utilizes GloVis, a global visualization viewer, which provides users with
interactive tools to access and analyze remotely sensed data, including GLCF products.

Fig 5 Interface USGS Website

1.8 Importing Raster Data From USGS-Earth

Explorer

Step 1: Access USGS Earth Explorer

 1. Open web browser and navigate to the USGS Earth Explorer
website:
[Link]

Step 2: Register for an Account

 If onedon’t have a USGS Earth Explorer account, there is need

to register.

o Click on the "Register" button at the top of the Earth

Explorer homepage.

o Fill in the necessary details (name, email, password, etc.),

then confirm the registration through the email.

Step 3: Log In

 Once account is set up, log in to Earth Explorer

usingcredentials.

Step 4: Define Area of Interest

1. Search by Location:

o We can search for our area of interest by entering a place

name or coordinates in the search box.

2. Draw a Rectangle:

o Alternatively, we can zoom into the map and draw a

rectangle around the area of interest by clicking on the
"Polygon" or "Rectangle" tool on the map.
Step 5: Apply Search Criteria

1. Select Data Sets:

o Choose the data type we’re looking for (e.g., Landsat,

Sentinel, MODIS).

o For example, if we want Landsat imagery, click the "Data

Sets" tab and select "Landsat."

2. Refine Search:

o Date Range: We can filter results by specifying a date

range to narrow down the imagery.

o Cloud Cover: Use the “Cloud Cover” filter to select

images with low cloud coverage if we need clear imagery

o Preview Imagery

1. Browse through the search results, looking at the thumbnails and

metadata for each available image.

2. Once we find an image of interest, click on the thumbnail to

view more details, such as:

o Image acquisition date.

o Cloud cover percentage.

o Data type and resolution.

Select and Download the Data

 1. Once we’ve
’ve identified the image we want, click on the checkbox
next to it to select it.

2. For Landsat or Sentinel data, we may be able to download

multiple bands of the satellite data or a single, preprocessed
product.

Download the Data

 Go to the "Shopping Cart" section.

 Click "Download" to initiate the download of the raster data.

We’ll
’ll likely need to agree to the terms oof use before
downloading.

 Depending on the size of the data, it may take a few minutes or

longer for the download to complete.

Fig 6 Picture of USGS data

Fig 7 Picture
icture of USGS Data
 Exercise- 7

Google Earth Engine

1.7 Google Earth Engine
Google Earth Engine (GEE) is a cloud-based platform that provides access to vast
amounts of satellite data and powerful computational resources for geospatial
analysis and visualization. It allows users to visualize, analyze, and model
geospatial data at planetary scale, enabling research, applications, and decision-
making related to environmental monitoring and other fields.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Key Features:

 Data Access:

GEE provides access to a massive catalog of satellite imagery and other geospatial datasets,
including Landsat, Sentinel, MODIS, and more.

 Computational Power:

It leverages Google's infrastructure to perform complex geospatial calculations and analysis

efficiently.

 Visualization:

GEE allows users to visualize data on a map, manipulate visualizations, and create custom
visualizations.

 Programming Interfaces:

GEE provides APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) for interacting with the platform using
languages like JavaScript and Python.

 Code Editor:

A web-based interface for writing and running code, including JavaScript and Python scripts,
according to Google for Developers.

 Explorer:
 A lightweight interface for exploring datasets and running simple analyses.

 Client Libraries:
Provides Python and JavaScript wrappers for accessing GEE's functionalities.

How it Works:

1. 1. Data Access:

Users access the desired datasets from the GEE catalog.

2. 2. Analysis:

Users write code using JavaScript or Python within the Code Editor or client libraries to process the
data, applying algorithms, and generating results.

3. 3. Visualization:

The results of the analysis can be visualized on a map, and the visualizations can be customized.

4. 4. Export:
Analysis results can be exported in various formats, such as images, videos, or tables.

Benefits:

 Scalability: GEE can handle large datasets and complex analyses that would be impossible on a
typical personal computer.

 Efficiency: Leveraging Google's infrastructure reduces processing time and complexity.

 Accessibility: GEE provides free access to data and computational resources for academic and
research purposes, according to Google Earth Engine.
Applications:

 Environmental Monitoring: Tracking deforestation, drought, wildfires, and other environmental

changes.

 Agriculture: Monitoring crop health, irrigation, and land use.

 Disaster Response: Assessing damage from natural disasters and supporting humanitarian efforts.

 Resource Management: Mapping and analyzing natural resources, such as water and minerals.

 Public Health: Monitoring disease outbreaks and understanding the spatial distribution of diseases.
Fig 8 Interface of Google Earth Engine Website

Fig. 9 Picture of Data of Google Earth

 Exercise -8

Survey of India
1.8 Survey of India

The Survey of India is India's central engineering agency in charge

of mapping and surveying.[4] Set up in 1767[5] to help consolidate the
territories of the British East India Company, it is one of the oldest
Engineering Departments of the Government of India. Its members
are from Survey of India Service cadre of Civil Services of India. It is
headed by the Surveyor General of India. At present, the Surveyor
General is Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana.

Responsibilities

 Advisor to the Indian Government: The Survey of India acts as an adviser to the
Government of India on all cartography-related matters, such
as geodesy, photogrammetry, mapping and map reproduction.


 Geo names: Survey of India is responsible for the naming convention and spellings of
names of geographical features of India.


 Certification and publication: Scrutiny and certification of external boundaries of India

and Coastline on maps published by the other agencies including private publishers.
Publication of tide tables (one year in advance) and maps of India.


 Surveys: geodetic datum, geodetic control network, topographical control, geophysical

surveys, cadastral surveying, geological maps, aeronautical charts within India, such as
 for forests, army cantonments, large scale cities, guide maps, developmental or
conservation projects, etc.


 National borders: Demarcation of the borders and external boundaries of India as well
as advice on the demarcation of inter-state boundaries.


 Oceanic tidal prediction: Undertake prediction of tides at 44 ports including 14 foreign

ports.


 Research and development: In the area of photogrammetry, cartography, geodesy,

topographical surveys and indigenisation of technology.


 Training: Training for the central and state government departments as well as from
foreign countries.

Maps
The Survey of India publishes maps and the unrestricted category maps can be
obtained from its several Geo-spatial data centers. Restricted category maps
require due approval from government authorities. Many other rules govern the
sale and use of Survey of India maps. Only an Indian citizen may
purchase topographic maps and these may not be exported from India for any
reason.[8] On 15 February 2021, the Government of India announced changes to
the country's mapping policy which frees up lot of earlier restrictions related to
mapping.[9] A list of restrictions proposed is published by DST for comments by
30 July 2021.[10]
Fig10Interface of survey of India Website
Fig.

Fig 12.. Picture of Data Survey of India

Fig13.. Picture of Map Data in Survey of
India
 Exercise-9

Application of open Source data

1.9 Application of opensource data: Mapping of
Land Use and Land Cover

Mapping of Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) refers to the

process of creating maps that depict how land is used and the types of
vegetation or other surface features present. This process helps
understand current landscape conditions and track changes over time.

Key aspects of LULC mapping:

 Land Use:

Refers to the activities or management practices taking place on the land, such
as agriculture, forestry, urban development, etc.

 Land Cover:

Describes the physical or biological cover on the Earth's surface, including

vegetation, water bodies, and built-up areas.

 Importance:
LULC maps are crucial for various applications, including environmental
management, urban planning, resource management, and understanding the
impact of human activities on the environment.

Open-source data in LULC mapping:

 Accessibility:
 Open-source data sources, like remote sensing imagery (satellite data) and GIS
software, enable wider participation in LULC mapping.

 Tools:

Open-source tools, such as QGIS and R, can be used to process and analyze
remote sensing data for LULC classification and mapping.

 Data Sources:
Open datasets like Landsat imagery, Sentinel data, and volunteered geographic
information (VGI) can be used for LULC mapping, according to NASA
Earthdata.

Applications of LULC mapping:

 Environmental Monitoring:

Detecting deforestation, urbanization, and other changes in land cover and

use.

 Disaster Management:

Assessing flood risks, drought impacts, and other hazards.

 Resource Management:

Evaluating agricultural potential, water availability, and other resources.

 Urban Planning:
Developing sustainable urban development strategies and managing urban
growth.

In essence, LULC mapping provides a spatial understanding of how

land is used and covered, enabling informed decision-making for
various applications, with open-source data playing a vital role in
enabling this proces
 Exercise – 10

Application of open Source data

1.11 Application of open Source data: Change water
bodies

Open-source data on built-up area and water body changes can be

used for various applications, including land use analysis, water resource
management, and climate change studies. By leveraging open data sources
like satellite imagery and GIS, researchers and policymakers can monitor
the extent and dynamics of these features over time, identify patterns, and
make informed decisions.

Here's a more detailed look at the applications:

1. Land Use and Urban Planning:

 Monitoring Urban Growth:

Open-source satellite imagery can be used to track the expansion of built-up

areas, helping urban planners understand population growth and inform
infrastructure development.

 Identifying Land Use Changes:

By analyzing changes in land cover, researchers can understand how land is

being converted from agricultural to urban or other uses, which is crucial for
sustainable development planning.

 Assessing the Impact of Infrastructure:

 Open data can be used to analyze the environmental impact of new infrastructure,
such as roads and buildings, on water bodies and surrounding ecosystems.
2. Water Resource Management:

 Monitoring Water Body Changes:

Open-source data, such as satellite imagery and hydrological models, can be used
to monitor changes in the size, extent, and quality of water bodies like lakes,
rivers, and reservoirs.

 Identifying Water Stress Areas:

By combining water body data with rainfall data and population information,
researchers can identify areas at risk of water scarcity due to climate change or
human activities.

 Optimizing Water Allocation:

Open data can be used to optimize water allocation among different sectors, such
as agriculture, industry, and domestic use, ensuring sustainable water resource
management.
3. Climate Change Studies:

 Tracking Changes in Water Bodies:

Open-source data can be used to track the long-term changes in water bodies,
such as shrinking lakes and glaciers, which are indicators of climate change.

 Modeling the Impact of Climate Change:

By combining climate data with water body data, researchers can model the
potential impacts of climate change on water resources, such as changes in water
availability and water quality.

 Assessing Vulnerability:
Open data can be used to assess the vulnerability of different regions to the
impacts of climate change, such as droughts and floods, and inform adaptation
strategies.
 Examples of Open-Source Data and Tools:

 Satellite Imagery:

Landsat, Sentinel, and MODIS data are widely available and can be used for land
cover mapping and change detection.

 GIS Software:

Open-source GIS software, such as QGIS, can be used to analyze and visualize
geospatial data.

 Remote Sensing Libraries:

Python libraries like GeoPandas and Rasterio can be used for processing and
analyzing satellite imagery data.

 Online Platforms:
Google Earth Engine provides a powerful platform for analyzing and visualizing
large datasets of satellite imagery.
In conclusion, open-source data provides a valuable resource for
understanding and managing the changes in built-up areas and water
bodies, supporting informed decision-making for sustainable development
and climate change adaptation..
 Exercise -11

Application of open Source data

1.12 Application of open Source data: Agricultural
land and natural Vegetation
Open source data, like satellite imagery and GIS data, can be used
to monitor and manage agricultural land and natural vegetation, enabling
more sustainable practices and informed decision-making. These tools can
help with tasks like mapping agricultural land, tracking land cover
changes, predicting crop yields, and assessing the impact of agricultural
activities on the environment.

Here's a more detailed look at how open source data is applied:

1. Land Use and Land Cover Mapping:

 Monitoring Changes:

Open source tools like QGIS and R can be used to analyze satellite imagery and
GIS data to track changes in land use and land cover over time, including the
conversion of natural vegetation to agricultural land.

 Assessing Deforestation:

Analyzing satellite imagery can help monitor deforestation patterns and assess
the impact of agricultural activities on natural vegetation.

 Mapping Agricultural Land:

Open source data can be used to create detailed maps of agricultural land,
identifying areas of different crop types and farming practices.
 2. Crop and Soil Monitoring:

 Precision Agriculture:

Open source data, combined with sensors and GPS technology, can enable
precision agriculture practices, allowing farmers to optimize irrigation, fertilizer
application, and other inputs based on real-time data.

 Yield Prediction:

Remote sensing data can be used to estimate crop yields and monitor crop health,
helping farmers make informed decisions about planting, harvesting, and risk
management.

 Soil Health Monitoring:

Open source tools can help monitor soil conditions, including nutrient levels and
moisture content, to optimize soil health and reduce environmental impact.
3. Environmental Impact Assessment:

 Biodiversity:

Open source data can be used to assess the impact of agriculture on biodiversity,
including the loss of natural habitats and the decline of plant and animal
populations.

 Water Resources:

Analyzing land use changes and vegetation cover can help assess the impact of
agriculture on water resources, including water availability and water quality.

 Climate Change:
Open source data can be used to monitor changes in land cover and vegetation,
which play a role in climate change and carbon sequestration.
4. Tools and Technologies:

 Remote Sensing:
 Satellite imagery and drone-based imagery are key data sources for monitoring
land use and land cover changes.

 GIS Software:

QGIS and other open source GIS software are used for data analysis, mapping,
and spatial modeling.

 Programming Languages:

R and Python are commonly used for data analysis and model development.

 Open Data Platforms:

Open Land Map and other open data platforms provide access to various datasets
related to land use and vegetation.