In the age of transition towards the information society, many different kinds of information and data are being continuously produced and distributed all over the world. Faster computers, the internet, earth observation satellites, and the development of new software and new technologies for various disciplines shape the production, transfer and exchange of information in all spheres of life. Moreover, many questions cannot be solved on a local, regional or national level because they have an international or even global nature. Considering the sheer volume and diversity of information, ever greater demands are being made on the collection, processing, structuring, standardization, sources, accuracy, updating and presentation of data. One general rule is that data collection is very time-consuming and expensive.

This chapter takes a look at selected aspects concerning the spatial data needed in the field of landscape-ecological investigations.