MOUNT ZION COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND

TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

OGI352 GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM

IV YEAR / VII – SEMESTER
UNIT- 5 DATA MANAGEMENT AND OUTPUT
K. ROJA, AP/CIVIL

MZCET-CIVIL-VII SEM-OGI352-GIS-UNIT 5
 COURSE OUTCOMES
• Able to explain the basic concepts, principles, and
components of GIS
• Provide an introduction to the fundamental concepts,
principles, and applications of GIS technology.
• Develop proficiency in performing basic spatial analysis
operations such as buffering, overlay analysis, and spatial
querying using GIS software.
• Gain the ability to acquire, format, and manage spatial
data from different sources (e.g., GPS, remote sensing)
and in various formats (e.g., vector, raster).

MZCET-CIVIL-VII SEM-OGI352-GIS-UNIT 5
 COURSE OBJECTIVE
• The main objectives collectively aim to equip
students with a solid foundation in GIS theory,
practical skills, and critical thinking abilities
necessary for applying GIS in various professional
and academic contexts.

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 COURSE OUTLINE
• 5.1 IMPORT/EXPORT DATA MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS
• 5.2 RASTER TO VECTOR AND VECTOR TO RASTER
CONVERSION
• 5.3 DATA OUTPUT
• 5.4 MAP COMPILATION
• 5.5 CHART/GRAPHS MULTIMEDIA
• 5.6 DISTRIBUTED GIS

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 TOPICS
• Previous class Topic
• 5.1 IMPORT/EXPORT DATA MANAGEMENT
FUNCTIONS

• Today's class
• 5.2 RASTER TO VECTOR AND VECTOR TO
RASTER CONVERSION

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5.2
RASTER TO VECTOR
CONVERSION
• Raster to vector data conversion, often
referred to as "vectorization," is a crucial
process in GIS that transforms raster data
(pixel-based images) into vector data (points,
lines, and polygons).
• This conversion is essential for various
applications, such as creating detailed maps or
enabling spatial analysis.

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5.2
1. Understanding Raster and Vector
Data
• Raster Data: Comprised of a grid of pixels, each
containing a value that represents information
(e.g., color, elevation). Common examples include
satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and digital
elevation models (DEMs).
• Vector Data: Represents geographic features using
discrete geometric shapes (points, lines,
polygons). Vector data is more precise for spatial
analysis and attribute data.

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5.2

2. Reasons for Conversion

• Data Analysis: Vector data allows for more
sophisticated spatial analyses, such as overlay,
buffering, and geoprocessing.
• Mapping: Vector data provides greater
flexibility for map design and aesthetics.
• Data Compression: Vector files are often
smaller than raster files, making them easier
to manage and share.

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5.2

3. Methods of Conversion
• There are various methods to convert raster
data to vector data:
• A. Manual Digitization
• Process: Users trace over raster images in GIS
software to create vector features manually.
This method is accurate but time-consuming.
• Use Cases: Suitable for small areas or when
high precision is required.

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5.2
B. Automatic Raster to Vector
Conversion
• Thresholding:
– Used for binary raster images (e.g., black and white). Pixels
are converted to vector shapes based on a threshold value.
• Edge Detection:
– Techniques like the Canny edge detector identify
boundaries in the raster image, which can then be
converted into vector lines.
• Polygonization:
– Groups contiguous pixels with similar values into polygons.
This is often used for land cover classification.
• Contour Extraction:
– For elevation data, contours can be generated to create
vector lines representing elevation levels.

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5.2

4. Tools and Software for Conversion

• Several GIS software tools offer functionalities for
raster to vector conversion:
• ArcGIS:
– Tools like "Raster to Polygon" and "Raster to Point" can
convert raster datasets into vector formats.
• QGIS:
– The "Raster" menu includes options for vectorization,
such as "Polygonize (Raster to Vector)."
• GDAL (Geospatial Data Abstraction Library):
– Command-line tools like gdal_polygonize.py can be
used for converting raster data to vector polygons.

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5.2

5. Considerations for Conversion

• Data Quality: The quality of the original raster data
can significantly affect the outcome. High-resolution
and clear raster images yield better vector results.
• Attribute Data: Decide how to handle attributes. You
may want to retain pixel values as attributes in the
vector dataset.
• Processing Time: Automatic conversions can require
significant computational resources, especially for
large raster datasets.
• Post-Processing: Often, converted vector data will
need to be cleaned up or simplified to remove noise or
unnecessary vertices.

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5.2

6. Post-Conversion Steps
• Simplification: Reduce the number of vertices
in vector data to make it more manageable
without losing essential details.
• Attribute Assignment: Assign meaningful
attributes to the new vector features based on
the original raster data.
• Validation: Check the accuracy of the
vectorized data against known references to
ensure reliability.

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5.2

VECTOR TO RASTER CONVERSION

• Vector to raster conversion, also known as
rasterization, is the process of converting
vector data (which consists of points, lines,
and polygons) into raster format (grid of
pixels).
• This conversion is important for various GIS
applications, including map visualization,
spatial analysis, and data integration.

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5.2
1. Understanding Vector and Raster
Data
• Vector Data: Composed of discrete geometric
shapes, such as points (e.g., locations), lines (e.g.,
roads), and polygons (e.g., land parcels). Vector
data is defined by coordinates and can represent
complex shapes and attributes.
• Raster Data: A grid of cells (or pixels), where each
cell holds a value representing information, such
as color, elevation, or temperature. Raster data is
continuous and is often used for images and
surface representations.

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5.2

2. Reasons for Conversion

• Compatibility: Some analyses and applications
require raster data formats, such as remote
sensing or pixel-based analysis.
• Visualization: Rasters can be easily rendered
for display, making them useful for creating
maps and imagery.
• Integration: Raster datasets can be combined
with other raster data sources (e.g., satellite
images, DEMs) for comprehensive analysis.

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5.2

3. Methods of Conversion
• A. Point Data to Raster
• Assignment of Values: Each point's attribute value can be assigned
to the nearest raster cell.
• Cell Size: The size of raster cells will determine the level of detail.
Smaller cells yield higher resolution but larger file sizes.
• B. Line Data to Raster
• Burning In: Lines can be "burned" into the raster by assigning a
value to the raster cells that the line intersects.
• Rasterizing: Each cell that the line crosses will take on the attribute
value of the line (e.g., road type).
• C. Polygon Data to Raster
• Value Assignment: All cells within a polygon are assigned a value
corresponding to the polygon's attributes.
• Overlap Handling: If polygons overlap, you may need to decide
which value to assign based on specific rules (e.g., majority, highest
priority).

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5.2

4. Tools and Software for Conversion

• Several GIS software tools provide functionalities for
vector to raster conversion:
• ArcGIS:
– Use the "Polygon to Raster," "Line to Raster," or "Point to
Raster" tools available in the toolbox.
• QGIS:
– The "Rasterize" tool allows you to convert vector layers to
raster formats, specifying various parameters like cell size
and attribute fields.
• GDAL:
– Command-line tools such as gdal_rasterize can be used to
convert vector data to raster.

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5.2
5. Steps for Vector to Raster
Conversion
• Open GIS Software: Start the GIS application you are using (e.g.,
ArcGIS, QGIS).
• Select Vector Layer: Choose the vector layer (points, lines, or
polygons) you want to convert.
• Choose Conversion Tool: Navigate to the appropriate tool for
conversion (e.g., "Rasterize" in QGIS or "Polygon to Raster" in
ArcGIS).
• Set Parameters:Define the output raster file name and location.
• Specify the cell size (resolution) of the raster.
• Choose the attribute to assign values to the raster cells.
• Execute Conversion: Run the conversion process and monitor for
any errors or warnings.
• Verify Output: Open the resulting raster file to ensure it meets
your expectations and accurately represents the original vector
data.
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5.2

6. Considerations for Conversion

• Cell Size: Smaller cell sizes provide greater detail
but increase file size and processing time.
• Data Loss: Some detail may be lost in the
conversion process, especially if the vector data is
complex.
• Overlap and Priority: Determine how to handle
overlapping features if converting multiple layers
simultaneously.
• Attribute Handling: Decide which attributes to
retain in the raster format and how to represent
them (e.g., categorical vs. continuous values).

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5.2

7. Post-Conversion Steps
• Data Validation: Check the raster data for
accuracy and completeness, ensuring it aligns
with the original vector data.
• Symbology and Visualization: Apply
appropriate color schemes and symbology for
effective visualization.
• Analysis: Use the new raster data for further
spatial analysis, such as overlay or surface
modeling.

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5.2

SUMMARY
• Vector to raster conversion is a vital process in
GIS that enables the integration and analysis
of spatial data in raster format.

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 REFERENCE

• https://docs.qgis.org/latest/en/docs/training_
manual/complete_analysis/raster_to_vector.h
tml
• https://docs.qgis.org/latest/en/docs/user_ma
nual/processing_algs/gdal/vectorconversion.h
tml

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