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GIS Data Formats

Vector and raster are two common data types in GIS. Vector data represents geographic features as points, lines, and polygons with explicit coordinates while raster data divides space into a grid of cells with each cell storing a value. Some advantages of vector data include accurate representation of features and topology, while disadvantages include complex data structures and difficulty with analysis and simulation. Raster data has simpler structures that make overlay and analysis easier but loses detail at larger cell sizes and has difficulty representing networks. Common vector formats are shapefiles and coverages, while raster data is used to represent continuous surfaces like elevation, imagery, and environmental variables.

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787 views1 page

GIS Data Formats

Vector and raster are two common data types in GIS. Vector data represents geographic features as points, lines, and polygons with explicit coordinates while raster data divides space into a grid of cells with each cell storing a value. Some advantages of vector data include accurate representation of features and topology, while disadvantages include complex data structures and difficulty with analysis and simulation. Raster data has simpler structures that make overlay and analysis easier but loses detail at larger cell sizes and has difficulty representing networks. Common vector formats are shapefiles and coverages, while raster data is used to represent continuous surfaces like elevation, imagery, and environmental variables.

Uploaded by

bebebrenda
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
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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GIS Data Types:

Vector vs. Raster


Basic Elements: Location (x,y) or (x,y,z) Explicit, i.e. pegged to a coordinate system Different coordinate system (and precision) require different values o e.g. UTM as integer (but large) o Lat, long as two floating point numbers +/ Points are used to build more complex features Advantages of Vector Data Structures: Good representation of phenomenonology Compact Topology can be completely described Accurate graphics Retrieval, updating and generalization of graphics and attributes possible Disadvantages of Vector Data Structures: Complex Data Structures Combination of several vector polygon maps through overlay creates difficulties Simulation is difficult because each unit has a different topological form Display and plotting can be expensive, particularly for high quality color The technology is expensive, particularly for the more sophisticated software and hardware Spatial analysis and filtering within polygons are impossible

VECTOR

RASTER

Basic Elements: Extent o # Rows o # Columns Origin Orientation Resolution: pixel = grain = grid cell Advantages of Raster Data Structures: Simple data structures Overlay and combination of maps and remote sensed images easy Some spatial analysis methods simple to perform Simulation easy, because cells have the same size and shape Technology is cheap Disadvantages of Raster Data Structures: The use of large cells to reduce data volumes means that phenomenonologically recognizable structures can be lost and there can be a serious loss of information Crude raster maps are considerably less beautiful than line maps Network linkages are difficult to establish Projection transformations are time consuming unless special algorithms or hardware is used.

VECTOR FORMATS 1. Shapefile


Contains: o Point, or multi-point o Line, or polyline o Polygon Raster (Grid)

2. Coverage

Contains: o Point, or node o Arc, or line o Polygon o Label

EXAMPLES
Temperature (air, water) Air pressure Ecotones Soil ph Precipitation Salinity Elevation & its derivatives Flow Direction, distance Reflectance (photography/imagery)

Vector (Feature)

EXAMPLES
Administrative borders Linear features Roads Rivers Discrete habitat boundaries Real-world

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