What is the process of accurately placing digital data on a map called?

The process of accurately placing digital data on a map is known as georeferencing. Georeferencing involves associating geographic coordinates with the digital data, enabling it to be accurately aligned with spatial locations on a map. This process is critical in geospatial analysis because it ensures that the data can be used in conjunction with other spatial information to create meaningful interpretations and analyses.

In various applications, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), georeferencing allows users to overlay data from multiple sources and analyze them spatially. Without georeferencing, digital data would lack a spatial context, which is essential for tasks such as mapping, spatial analysis, and decision-making based on geographic information.

Other concepts, while related to maps and spatial data, serve different purposes. For instance, cartography focuses on the art and science of map-making rather than the placement of data itself. Feature extraction involves identifying and isolating specific objects from larger datasets, while data visualization pertains to the representation of data through graphical formats, which does not necessarily involve accurate placement on a map. Thus, georeferencing stands out as the correct process for accurately aligning digital data with geographic locations.