Which of the following is an example of non-spatial data?

Non-spatial data refers to information that does not have a geographic component or location reference. It is often qualitative in nature, providing descriptive attributes rather than specific spatial characteristics. Names of places serve as an illustrative example of non-spatial data because they describe the identity of a location without indicating its position on a map or in spatial reference systems.

In contrast, the other options represent spatial data, which relates to the geographic dimensions of an object or phenomenon. Coordinates, for instance, provide a specific location's latitude and longitude, thereby identifying its exact position in space. Elevation levels indicate how high a particular location is above sea level, and distance measurements quantify the space between two points, both of which contribute to understanding spatial relationships and geographic features.

Recognizing the differences between non-spatial and spatial data is crucial for interpreting geographic datasets, as it affects how we analyze and visualize geographic phenomena. Understanding the nature of each data type enables more effective data management and application in GIS.