Which of the following describes primary data in GIS?

Primary data in GIS refers specifically to data collected firsthand, meaning it is gathered directly by the researcher or a designated data collector from the source. This can include methods such as surveys, field measurements, and observational studies. The significance of primary data lies in its direct relevance and accuracy to the specific research question or project at hand, as it reflects the current conditions or phenomena without being influenced by previous analyses or interpretations.

In contrast, data collected from existing sources pertains to secondary data, which has already been gathered and processed by others. Processed data refers to data that has undergone some form of transformation to make it suitable for analysis, while data that cannot be verified deals with issues of reliability and validation, which are not inherent properties of primary data. Thus, the emphasis on firsthand collection distinguishes primary data in the context of GIS.