Final answer:
Scanned data can be converted to tabular data using specialized software such as GIS for spatial data or advanced algorithms for astronomical or census data. These technologies manage and analyze massive volumes of information efficiently.
Step-by-step explanation:
Data stored in various formats can be scanned and converted to tabular data using specialized software. In the field of astronomy, where the Sloan Survey gathered a staggering 15 terabytes of data, this process is crucial to manage and analyze such large volumes efficiently. High-volume data capture technologies like those used by the U.S. Census Bureau in the 1950s, and the advances in storage media such as compact discs, have spurred the development of sophisticated data management techniques.
Moreover, in topographic mapping and urban planning, GIS software has revolutionized the way spatial data is stored, retrieved, and analyzed. The transition from printed maps to digital data owes much to the advancements in computer database systems and GIS technology. Such software and hardware innovations enable the conversion and organization of extensive and varied data into actionable information.
Whether it is scanning the surface of a compact disc with a laser to read data, organizing a global crowd-sourced science project like Galaxy Zoo, or managing geographic data with GIS, technology plays a crucial role in our ability to handle the era of Big Data.