Week 2: Georeferencing Essentials
Goals
Understand and explain basic concepts of georeferencing
Use key vocabulary related to spatial data, coordinate systems, and accuracy
Practice structured technical explanations in English
Key Vocabulary
Term Definition
Georeferencing Aligning data to a coordinate system
Coordinate system A framework to locate objects in space
Ground control point (GCP) A physical marker used for accurate positioning
Accuracy The degree of closeness to the true value
Projection Method of displaying the 3D earth on 2D maps
Datum A model of the Earth used for mapping
Spatial resolution The level of detail in spatial data
Orthorectification Correction of image distortions due to terrain
GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System
Session Structure
Session 1: Introduction to Georeferencing
Warm-up: “What do you see from space?” – group brainstorm
Presentation: What is georeferencing? (simple explanation)
Speaking practice: "How does your work relate to georeferencing?"
Session 2: Coordinate Systems & GCPs
World Geodetic System vs Local projections
Team exercise: Explain coordinate systems in pairs
Role-play: You are training a new colleague—explain GCPs
Session 3: Tools and Accuracy
Technical vocabulary quiz (accuracy, projection, datum, GNSS, etc.)
Scenario discussion: “What happens if data is not accurately georeferenced?”
Grammar focus: Passive voice in technical instructions (e.g., "The image is
georeferenced using...")
Session 4: Practical Simulation
Speaking activity: Describe a real or hypothetical georeferencing issue and how you
would resolve it
Prepare a short 3-minute talk: “How georeferencing fits into our work at DataDEV”
1. Explaining Georeferencing to a Client
Client: Could you explain how georeferencing works in your projects?
DataDEV Employee: Of course. Georeferencing is the process of aligning our collected data—
such as images or point clouds—to a real-world coordinate system. We use ground control points
and GNSS data to ensure high accuracy.
Client: So it's about making sure everything lines up correctly on the map?
DataDEV Employee: Exactly. It allows us to integrate various data layers and compare them
with existing maps or CAD files.
2. Clarifying a Coordinate System
Client: What coordinate system do you use for this project?
DataDEV Employee: For this region, we use UTM zone 34N, based on the WGS 84 datum. If
you prefer a local projection, we can easily convert the data.
Client: Will I be able to view this in my GIS software?
DataDEV Employee: Yes, we’ll export the files in a compatible format, such as GeoTIFF or
shapefile, and include the metadata.
3. Discussing Accuracy and Ground Control Points (GCPs)
Client: How accurate is the data after processing?
DataDEV Employee: With our current setup and the use of ground control points, we can
achieve centimeter-level accuracy.
Client: Do we need to provide any GCPs?
DataDEV Employee: If you already have surveyed GCPs, we can integrate them. Otherwise,
we can establish and measure them ourselves during the fieldwork.
4. Handling a Concern About Data Alignment
Client: We noticed the point cloud is slightly offset in our system.
DataDEV Employee: Thank you for pointing that out. It might be due to a projection
mismatch. We’ll double-check the coordinate system used and provide a reprojected version if
necessary.
Client: That would be great.
DataDEV Employee: No problem. We’ll send you an updated file within the next 24 hours.
5. Follow-Up After Delivery
Client: We’ve received the georeferenced imagery—thank you!
DataDEV Employee: You’re welcome! Let us know if you need assistance viewing or
integrating it into your system.
Client: Everything looks good so far.
DataDEV Employee: That’s great to hear. We’ll follow up in a week to check if any further
support is needed.