Geospatial data contains coordinate information (e.g., latitude and longitude), which allows features to be drawn on a map. Geospatial data can be used to create maps and analyze data in GIS.
There are two primary geospatial data models: vector and raster.
Image source: MIT OpenCourseWare
Many geospatial data sets include an attribute table that provides additional information about the data set. Attribute (tabular) data can be used to perform queries and analyses, join data sets, visualize specific variables on a map, etc. Additional variables and calculations can be added to attribute tables using editing sessions, field calculator, etc. Attribute (tabular) data can also be uploaded to GIS software as standalone table and/or converted into spatial data using location information within the attribute table (e.g., geographic coordinates, street addresses, etc.)
Some common file formats that work with GIS applications include:
Many GIS software programs (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) include data conversion tools if you need to convert data into a different file format.