Most GIS software packages have the capability to read and import a variety of data formats.  In recent years, conversion of engineering drawings, utility maps, survey plans, and tabular data into GISs have become widespread.  To build a GIS capable of providing numerous analytical tools for variety of applications, database standards must be defined.  Geospatial data are the primary component of any GIS and most of the effort and cost required to operate a GIS is used to acquire, input, update, manipulate and transform data.  To conduct useful analyses in a GIS, we geo-reference all parts of the geospatial data intended for project use to a common coordinate system.  In addition, we will convert, recode, or reformat any data prior to systems integration. 

For projects that quantitatively use remote sensing satellite data, we correct any geometric distortion present through rectification to a desired map projection. In addition, imagery obtained by the same sensor at different times does not usually exhibit the same radiometric characteristics because of variations caused by solar illumination conditions, atmospheric scattering and absorption, and changes in atmospheric conditions such as the presence of clouds.  We perform radiometric corrections to eliminate or reduce the differences introduced from sensor instrument artifacts, atmospheric path degradation and/or changing atmospheric conditions.  For change detection analyses, it is imperative to allow only the differences of pixel brightness values between multi-date images to remain as the actual changes in surface conditions. Failure to do so can cause serious problems in analyses, assessments, and the decision-making process.

We use multiple methods, techniques, software packages to identify, investigate, and redefine data set parameters.  We also provide assistance in these areas to ensure that your project goals, requirements, and overall needs are met.