The concept of georeferencing is frequently used in our language, although it is not part of the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ). The term refers to the spatial positioning of a body in a geographic location according to a coordinate system and specific data.
Before moving forward with this definition, it is important to mention that the correct word to refer to this issue is georeferencing (with two Rs ), although it is not included by the RAE in its dictionary either.
According to spelling rules, in compound words whose first element ends in a vowel and the second begins with R , the R in question needs to be doubled to preserve its sound . In this case, geo- ends in a vowel ( O ) and -referencing begins with R : therefore, we must write georeferencing.
Georeferencing or georeferencing, in short, refers to the location of something in space . A geographic coordinate system serves to reference a point on the Earth's surface using two angular coordinates ( longitude and latitude ). Knowing these two values, and adding the altitude for greater precision, georeferencing can be obtained.
Likewise, we cannot forget to point out the fact that in recent years there has been an increasing commitment to georeferencing plots as well as more constructions in Spain. This is because this operation is important in order to facilitate the exchange of information between what is the General Directorate of Registries and the Notary with what is the Cadastre itself.
In order to carry out this task, GPS-type receivers are used, which are connected to what is known as the Geodetic Network of Permanent Stations. Specifically, the process is developed by carrying out the topographic survey of the plot or construction as well as the cadastral certificate of location, the GML file, the visa and the georeferencing certificate.
It is also important to know that other disciplines such as topography, cartography, geodesy and geographic information systems take center stage in georeferencing.
Many times georeferencing is used as a synonym for geolocation . Some specialists, however, maintain that geolocation specifically refers to a real-time location, showing from satellite information where exactly an object is located. Georeferencing, according to this view, is linked to a location from data that is not being taken “live.”
Georeferencing, therefore, is related to a point in a geographic context, while geolocation is more associated with a positioning system and not only with coordinates.
In the same way, we cannot ignore the existence of what is known as documentary georeferencing. This term includes a technique that gives the possibility of relating the information referring to the position of two cartographic documents that have a different origin.
Specifically, this process can be carried out with documents as varied as those belonging to ancient cartography, building plans, maps of specific countries...