What does the term 'georeferencing' mean in GIS?

The term 'georeferencing' in GIS specifically refers to the process of aligning spatial data to a known coordinate system. This involves adjusting the spatial data so that its geographic features are accurately positioned in relation to a reference framework, such as latitude and longitude on a map or in a geographic database. By establishing a connection between the spatial data and the coordinate system, users can ensure that the data represents real-world locations correctly, enabling effective analysis and visualization.

Proper georeferencing is critical for various applications within GIS, as it allows for the integration of different datasets, comparison of spatial relationships, and accurate mapping. When spatial data is georeferenced, it can also be overlayed with other layers of information, facilitating advanced spatial analyses, such as modeling, terrain analysis, and resource management.