Workshop 1: Big data vs field work

In a recent public event, a panellist (planning consultant) stated that Google Maps / Earth have had a negative effect on the work in his office. Namely, rather than going to the field (town, neighbourhood, site) some of the colleagues resort to the digital resources for the purpose of familiarisation with the project area. The proliferation and accessibility of digital data (big data in particular) have reduced the need for fieldwork. But, could fieldwork be replaced? What are the consequences of dealing with spaces through digital sources? What would be the most beneficial use of digital resources?