datum

A datum (plural: data) is a single piece of information or a specific fact used to understand or describe something. Think of it as a building block in a larger collection of information. For example, a temperature reading, a person's age, or the location of a city are all data points. In fields like surveying or mapping, a datum provides a reference framework for measuring and locating points on the Earth's surface, ensuring consistency and accuracy in measurements and data interpretation. Essentially, data helps us describe, analyze, and make decisions about various aspects of the world around us.