Spatial data refers to information that describes the location and shape of objects on the Earth's surface. This type of data can include coordinates, maps, and geographic features, allowing for the analysis of relationships between different locations. It is commonly used in fields like geography, urban planning, and environmental science. Spatial data can be represented in various formats, such as vector and raster data. Vector data uses points, lines, and polygons to represent features like roads and boundaries, while raster data consists of grid cells, often used for images like satellite photos. Both formats are essential for geographic information systems (GIS).