What is Stochastic Modeling? Definition, Types, Examples

Stochastic modeling simulates thousands of possible outcomes from random variables. How it works, stochastic vs deterministic, Monte Carlo, and how cat models use it.

Raster vs. Vector Data: Differences, Formats, and Uses

Raster data is a grid of pixels. Vector data is points, lines, and polygons. How the two GIS data models differ, their formats, and how to combine them.

What is NDVI? Formula, Values, and Uses

NDVI, the normalized difference vegetation index, measures how green and dense vegetation is from red and near-infrared light. The formula, what the values mean, and how to calculate it.

What is Parcel Data? Parcel Numbers, Boundaries, Sources

Parcel data records every piece of land: its boundary, parcel number, owner, land use, and assessed value. Where it comes from and how to use it.

What is LiDAR Data? How It Works, Formats, and Sources

LiDAR data is a set of 3D points measured by a laser scanner that times the round trip of each light pulse to find the distance to a surface. Each point carries x, y, and z coordinates plus attributes such as intensity, return number, and a classification code for ground, vegetation, building, or water. Airborne […]

What is Landsat? Satellites, Bands, Data Access

Landsat is the joint USGS and NASA Earth observation program that has imaged the Earth's land surface continuously since July 1972, the longest record of its kind. Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 deliver 30 m multispectral and 100 m thermal imagery of every land pixel every 8 days, and the whole archive has been free […]