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1 Vector and Raster Data

This document discusses and compares raster and vector spatial data formats. Vector data represents geographic features as points, lines, and polygons defined by x,y coordinates. It has advantages like maintaining original data resolution and producing aesthetically pleasing maps, but requires storing explicit vertex locations and complex algorithms. Raster data represents features on a grid cell system with each cell storing a single value. It allows for easy analysis but requires data conversion and may reduce data integrity. Continuous data like elevation is better represented in raster while discrete data works for both raster and vector. The document outlines key advantages and disadvantages of each format for representation, storage, analysis, output, and data integration. Overall it provides an overview of the fundamental differences between

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Ashraful Alam
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112 views11 pages

1 Vector and Raster Data

This document discusses and compares raster and vector spatial data formats. Vector data represents geographic features as points, lines, and polygons defined by x,y coordinates. It has advantages like maintaining original data resolution and producing aesthetically pleasing maps, but requires storing explicit vertex locations and complex algorithms. Raster data represents features on a grid cell system with each cell storing a single value. It allows for easy analysis but requires data conversion and may reduce data integrity. Continuous data like elevation is better represented in raster while discrete data works for both raster and vector. The document outlines key advantages and disadvantages of each format for representation, storage, analysis, output, and data integration. Overall it provides an overview of the fundamental differences between

Uploaded by

Ashraful Alam
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Raster -Vector format

Dr. M. A. Salam
Professor
Department of Aquaculture
Bangladesh Agricultural
University, Mymensingh-2202
Spatial Data: Vector format
Vector data are defined spatially:
Point - a pair of x and y coordinates.
Characteristic of Points: Represent as a single ‘dot ‘on the
map. Points are used to indicate discrete locations. (x1,y1)
They usually have a single X, Y coordinate.
Usually use to represent a feature that is too small to be
displayed as a line or area.

Line - a sequence of points. Ordered sets of vertex


points that have the look of a straight line or a curved arc
depending upon the feature it describes. They have a
length but no width. They are used to represent a
geographical feature that is too narrow to have area, such
as a stream or a road. Node
Polygon - a closed set of lines. Closed features
whose boundary encloses a homogenous area. Have an area
that is given by the arcs/lines that make the boundary. Are
use to represent features that have an area.
Raster and Vector Data
Raster data are described by a cell grid, one value per cell
Vector Raster

Point

Line
Zone of cells
Polygon
Vector method
There are two main ways to store the
spatial data; each GIS package will
usually concentrate on one method or the
other, but most have conversion routines
to go back and forth
– Vector method - Vector data
comes in the form of points and
lines that are geometrically and
mathematically associated.
– Points are stored using the
coordinates, for example, a two-
dimensional point is stored as (x,
y).
– Lines are stored as a series of
point pairs, where each pair
represents a straight-line
segment, for example, (x1, y1)
and (x2, y2) indicating a line from
(x1, y1) to (x2, y2).
Raster method
• - only areas are directly stored,
because the basic storage unit
is a grid cell / pixel.
• Areas are made up of
contiguous pixels with the
same value.
• Lines are made by connecting
cells into a one-pixel thick line.
Points are single cells,
meaning all the area
represented by that cell
becomes unavailable for other
spatial entities.
• All spatial entities have
location information inherent to
where they lie in the grid.
Vector Data Advantages :
Data can be represented at its original resolution and form without generalization.

Graphic output is usually more aesthetically pleasing (traditional cartographic


representation);
Since most data, e.g. hard copy maps, is in vector form no data conversion is required.

Accurate geographic location of data is maintained.


Allows for efficient encoding of topology, and as a result more efficient operations
that require topological information, e.g. proximity, network analysis.

Disadvantages:
The location of each vertex needs to be stored explicitly.
For effective analysis, vector data must be converted into a topological structure. This
is often processing intensive and usually requires extensive data cleaning. As well,
topology is static, and any updating or editing of the vector data requires re-building
of the topology.
Algorithms for manipulative and analysis functions are complex and may be
processing intensive. Often, this inherently limits the functionality for large data sets,
e.g. a large number of features.

Continuous data, such as elevation data, is not effectively represented in vector form.
Usually substantial data generalization or interpolation is required for these data
layers.
Spatial analysis and filtering within polygons is impossible
Raster Data Advantages :
The geographic location of each cell is implied by its position in the cell matrix.
Accordingly, other than an origin point, e.g. bottom left corner, no geographic
coordinates are stored.
Due to the nature of the data storage technique data analysis is usually easy to
program and quick to perform.
The inherent nature of raster maps, e.g. one attribute maps, is ideally suited for
mathematical modeling and quantitative analysis.
Discrete data, e.g. forestry stands, is accommodated equally well as continuous
data, e.g. elevation data, and facilitates the integrating of the two data types.
Grid-cell systems are very compatible with raster-based output devices, e.g.
electrostatic plotters, graphic terminals.

Disadvantages:
The cell size determines the resolution at which the data is represented.;
It is especially difficult to adequately represent linear features depending on the cell
resolution. Accordingly, network linkages are difficult to establish.
Processing of associated attribute data may be cumbersome if large amounts of
data exists. Raster maps inherently reflect only one attribute or characteristic for an
area.
Since most input data is in vector form, data must undergo vector-to-raster
conversion. Besides increased processing requirements this may introduce data
integrity concerns due to generalization and choice of inappropriate cell size.
Most output maps from grid-cell systems do not conform to high-quality
cartographic needs.
Points, lines and area
Vector world

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