What method is commonly used to gather geo-spatial data via satellite?

The method commonly used to gather geo-spatial data via satellite is remote sensing. This technique involves collecting information about the Earth's surface without making physical contact, primarily through the use of sensors mounted on satellites. These sensors capture a variety of data, including images and measurements of land cover, temperature, vegetation, and other environmental characteristics.

Remote sensing provides valuable insights for various applications such as environmental monitoring, urban planning, agriculture, and disaster management. The data collected can be analyzed to understand changes over time, assess land use patterns, or evaluate natural resources. The ability to cover large areas and gather data over time makes remote sensing an essential tool in spatial analysis and geography.

In contrast, mapping refers to the process of representing geographical information visually, which may utilize data collected from remote sensing but does not itself involve data collection via satellite. Ground surveying involves direct measurement of distances, angles, and locations on the Earth's surface, typically using physical equipment, which is a different methodology altogether. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a framework for capturing, storing, and analyzing geographic data, and while it can use data from remote sensing, it is not the method of collecting the geo-spatial data itself.