Raster Data Model In GIS

A raster data type is made up of pixel or cells and each pixel has an associated
value. Digital Photography is the best example of raster data type model, anyone
who is familiar with digital photography can recognize the pixels as the smallest
individual unit of an image, where each pixel value in the image corresponds to a
particular color and the combination of these pixels will create an image.

As of now, the best example of raster data that is commonly used is Aerial
photos, with only one purpose, to display a detailed image on a map or for the
purposes of digitization.

Raster data type consists of rows and columns of cells and these each cells stores
a single value. Raster data can be images (raster images) with each pixel
containing a color value.

In Raster, data is represented as a grid of (usually square) cells. Each cell of a

raster, stores a single value and it can be extended by using raster bands to
represent RGB (red, green, blue) colors.

Raster Data Model Advantages

● Better for storing Image data.
● A powerful format for statistical and spatial analysis.
● Easy and efficient overlaying.
● Simple Data Structure.
● Same Grid Cell for several attributes.
● Raster Data Model Disadvantages
● Dataset can be large, storage space can be a problem.
● Network analysis is difficult to perform.
● Loss of information when using large cells.
● Insufficient projection transformation.
● Difficult in a representation of Topology connections.
Raster Data Model Applications
● Satellite imagery analysis.
● Elevation modeling.
● Weather forecasting.
● Environmental monitoring.
Characteristics of Raster Data Model

1. Spatial Resolution
One of the most important characteristics of raster data is spatial resolution.
Spatial resolution refers to the size of the cells in the grid. The smaller the cell
size, the higher the spatial resolution. High spatial resolution data is useful for
analyzing small areas or features, while low spatial resolution data is better for
analyzing larger areas.

2. Data Volume
Another characteristic of raster data is its data volume. Raster data can contain
a large amount of data, especially if the spatial resolution is high. This can make
working with raster data computationally intensive, as it requires a large
amount of processing power and memory.
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3. Data Type
Raster data can come in a variety of data types, including integer, float, and
binary. Integer data represents whole numbers, while float data represents
decimal numbers. Binary data is used to represent presence or absence, such as
in land cover classifications.

4. Spatial Referencing
Spatial referencing is another important characteristic of raster data. Raster
data must be spatially referenced in order to be used in GIS. This means that
each cell in the grid must be associated with a specific geographic location. This
allows the data to be correctly located in space and used in conjunction with
other spatial data.

5. Interpolation
Interpolation is the process of estimating values for locations where data is not
available. Interpolation is commonly used in raster data to fill in gaps or create a
smoother surface. However, interpolation can introduce errors and should be
used with caution.

6. Resolution vs. Accuracy

It’s important to note that spatial resolution does not always equal accuracy.
While high spatial resolution data can provide more detail, it does not
necessarily mean that the data is more accurate. Accuracy is determined by the
quality of the data source and the processing methods used.

7. Data Formats
Raster data can be stored in a variety of formats, including TIFF, JPEG, and
GeoTIFF. Each format has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on
the intended use of the data.

8. Band Count
Raster data can also contain multiple bands, with each band representing a
different attribute of the geographic area. For example, a satellite image may
contain multiple bands that represent different wavelengths of light.

9. Projection
Raster data must be projected in order to be used with other spatial data. This
means that the data must be transformed from its original coordinate system to a
common coordinate system that can be used with other data.

10. Metadata
Finally, raster data should always be accompanied by metadata, which provides
important information about the data, such as the date of acquisition, the spatial
resolution, and the data source.

Vector Data Model In GIS

Vector data represent the features as an individual point, and they are stored as
pairs of (x, y) coordinates. If these points are joined, they create a lines feature,
or if they joined into a closed ring, they create a polygon, but all vector data
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fundamentally consists of lists of coordinates that define vertices and paths.

Vectors are frequently used in all kinds of applications. One common area is
urban planning, where land parcels and buildings are often represented as
polygons, roads as polylines or polygons (road edge), and small features like
telephone poles are represented by points.

Geographical features are best to represent by below-mentioned types of

geometry:

Points When geographic features are too small to represent as polygons, points
features are used; in other words, simple location. For example, the locations of
Trees, depth, Point of Interest. These vector points are simply XY Co-ordinates.

Lines or polylines vector lines or polylines connect with each vertex with paths,
they usually represent features that are linear such as rivers, roads, railroads,
and pipelines.

Polygons Cartographers used polygons to display geographic features that have

an area. For example, it may include lakes, park boundaries, buildings, city
boundaries, or land uses.

Vector features are group into layers and features in a specific layer have the
same geometry type. For example, if a layer contains a Polygons feature, then
GIS application will only allow a user to create a new polygon feature in the
same layer.

Each of the vector features is stored in a database along with their attributes.
For example, a database that describes a Street may contain a Street’s Name,
Type, speed limit. The User can perform spatial analysis with different
geometries.

Vector Data Model Advantages

● Compact data structure – Need less space for storing data.
● Accurate Graphic output.
● Since most information, e.g. printed version maps, is in vector form no
data conversion is required.
● Exact geographic location of data is maintained.
● Easily make a connection between topology and network, efficient for
network analysis.
Vector Data Model Disadvantages
● The location of each vertex needs to be stored explicitly.
● It has a complex Data Structure.
● Difficult overlay operations.
● High spatial variability is inefficiently represented.
● Spatial analysis and filtering within polygons are impossible.
Vector Data Model Applications
● Road network analysis.
● Parcel mapping.
● Administrative boundary delineation.
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 ● Census data mapping

Characteristics of Vector Data

1. Accuracy
One of the main advantages of vector data is its accuracy. Because vector data
represents objects using mathematical points, lines, and polygons, it can be very
precise. This makes it useful for applications that require high levels of accuracy,
such as surveying, engineering, and urban planning.

2. Scalability
Another characteristic of vector data is its scalability. Vector data can be scaled
up or down without losing detail or clarity. This means that it can be used to
represent both large and small areas with equal accuracy. For example, a vector
map of a city can be zoomed out to show the entire city, or zoomed in to show
individual streets and buildings.

3. Flexibility
Vector data is also very flexible. It can be easily manipulated and edited using
GIS software. This means that it can be customized to meet specific needs or
requirements. For example, a GIS user could edit a vector map to highlight
certain features or add new ones.

4. Topology
Topology is another important characteristic of vector data. Topology refers to
the relationships between different features in a map. For example, the topology
of a road network would include the connections between roads, intersections,
and highways. Topology is important because it allows GIS users to perform
spatial analysis, such as routing and network analysis.

5. Attribute Data
In addition to spatial data, vector data also includes attribute data. Attribute
data is non-spatial data that is associated with a particular object or feature. For
example, a vector map of a city might include attribute data such as the
population of each neighborhood or the number of businesses in each area.
Attribute data is important because it allows GIS users to perform statistical
analysis and make informed decisions.

6. Data Storage
Vector data is typically stored in a database or file format. Common file formats
for vector data include shapefile, GeoJSON, and KML. The choice of file format
depends on the specific needs of the GIS user and the capabilities of the GIS
software being used.

Differences between Raster Data Model and Vector Data Model

Raster and vector data models differ in several ways, including:

1. Data Structure
Raster data models are grid-based, where each cell stores a value representing
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the attribute of interest. Vector data models are based on points, lines, and
polygons, where each feature is associated with a set of attribute data.

2. Data Storage
Raster data models are suited for storing large datasets with continuous values,
such as satellite imagery, elevation data, and weather data. Vector data models
are best suited for data that can be represented as discrete points or lines, such
as road networks and administrative boundaries.

3. Data Analysis
Raster data models are best suited for analysis that involves continuous values,
such as surface analysis and terrain modeling. Vector data models are best suited
for analysis that involves discrete features, such as network analysis and spatial
queries.

4. Visualization
Raster data models are easy to visualize, as they can be represented as a series of
square cells, with each cell representing a discrete value of the attribute being
measured. Vector data models can be more challenging to visualize, as they
involve complex spatial relationships between points, lines, and polygons.

5. File Size
Raster data models can have a large file size due to the need to store data for
each pixel in the grid. Vector data models, on the other hand, can have a small
file size, as they only store data for the points, lines, or polygons that make up the
objects.

6. Editing
Raster data models are not easily editable, as changes to the data require editing
each pixel individually. Vector data models, on the other hand, are easily
editable, as changes to the data can be made by editing the points, lines, or
polygons that make up the objects.