From a location to an observation
Turn a point on a map into a useful record by adding what happened, when, source, value, units, and provenance.
Why this matters
A map point only says where. A useful observation explains what was noticed or measured there and gives enough context for someone else to understand or compare it later.
Learn it
A practical observation model asks: where, when, what, source, value, units, and provenance. Some observations also need method, quality, uncertainty, vertical position, device identity, media, or a link to the original record. The model is deliberately broad enough for human observations, sensors, cameras, APIs, and vehicle measurements.
Work through an example
A water-temperature observation might contain a Point, observation time, temperature value, Celsius units, sensor identity, station identity, and source/provenance.
where + when + what + source + value + units + provenancePractice
- 1Build one observation in the exercise.
- 2Remove the units and ask what ambiguity you created.
- 3Remove the time and ask what comparisons are no longer trustworthy.
Try it
Build an observation
A useful observation says what was measured, where and when it happened, what source produced it, the value and units, and enough provenance to understand where the record came from.
{
"where": "47.6062,-122.3321",
"when": "",
"what": "",
"source": "",
"value": "",
"units": "",
"provenance": ""
}What to watch for
Do not confuse an observation with the device that produced it. A station or sensor can produce many observations over time.
Where this takes you
This model is central to field work, research, environmental monitoring, classroom science, telemetry, inspections, and Ocean Idea Machine.