Abstract
Information of all geoscience fields such as astronomy, geophysics, geochemistry, geology, and mineralogy has essentially space coordinates as compared with other natural sciences. When such information characterized by essential coordinates is analyzed, the coordinates should be processed independently on the other data such as physical and chemical properties. For this reason, let us define“geoinformation”in order to clarify the characteristics. One of the most important characters of geoinformation is multi-dimensional nature. Some special techniques are necessary to display multi-dimensional information. If we combine contouring, stereoscopy, and overlaying of three principal lights, the relation among 7-dimensional variables can be displayed at once. Data processing appears to be main in the present information science. However, the most important point of information science is how to get information. Information is obtained for some purpose. If we do not know the purpose, we cannot get high-quality information. On the other hand, the purpose causes bias on the obtained information. This problem is especially strong in field sciences including geosciences. To avoid the trouble geoscientists always give their attention. Consequently, geoinformatics is expected to lead the field of getting information.
