Which processes are involved in every georeferencing workflow?

In every georeferencing workflow, evaluating links is a critical process that ensures the accuracy and reliability of the spatial reference of a dataset. Georeferencing typically involves associating spatial data with a coordinate system by establishing connections between the dataset's features and known geographic locations in a reference layer.

Evaluating links means checking the correspondence between the coordinates of the control points in the unreferenced dataset with their counterparts in the reference layer. This assessment is crucial because it can help identify any misalignments or inaccuracies in how the spatial data is related to real-world locations. Without this evaluation, any subsequent steps taken, such as transformations or resampling, may not yield accurate results, leading to errors in analysis or representation. This step ensures that the foundation of the georeferencing is solid before making any permanent changes to the dataset or performing data modifications.

Other processes such as transforming the dataset, resampling, or creating links are essential to the overall workflow but hinge on the effective evaluation of these links to ensure that the georeferencing process is built on accurate connections between spatial data and actual geographic locations.