Which of the following best defines the difference between data and information?

The distinction between data and information is fundamentally based on the context in which they are used and their inherent characteristics. Data consists of raw, unprocessed facts, figures, or values collected from various sources or tools, without any attached meaning. This raw data serves as the foundational element that can be analyzed or interpreted.

In contrast, information is what results from processing, organizing, or analyzing that data; it adds context and meaning, transforming data into a more understandable or actionable form. For example, a series of temperatures measured over a week represents data. When this data is analyzed to determine temperature trends or averages, it becomes information that can be utilized for decision-making or further insights.

This definition highlights the progression from data collection to information processing, showcasing how information emerges from data through analysis and interpretation. Understanding this difference is crucial in fields such as geospatial intelligence, where the raw data collected from sensors must be interpreted and presented as useful information for strategic decisions.