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GIS Data Types

Gis

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63 views3 pages

GIS Data Types

Gis

Uploaded by

abdulrahmansalihu702
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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GIS DATA TYPES

GIS technology utilizes two basic types of data. These are:


1) Spatial data: describes the absolute and relative location of
geographic features.
2) Attribute data: describes characteristics of the spatial
features. These characteristics can be quantitative and/or
qualitative in nature. Attribute data is often referred to as
tabular data.
SPATIAL DATA MODELS
1) Vector
2) Raster
3) Image
VECTOR
All spatial data models are approaches for storing the spatial
location of geographic features in a database. Vector storage
implies the use of vectors (directional lines) to represent a
geographic feature.
RASTER
Raster data models incorporate the use of a grid-cell data structure
where the geographic area is divided into cells identified by row
and column. This data structure is commonly called raster.
IMAGE
Image data is most often used to represent graphic or pictorial
data. The term image inherently reflects a graphic representation,
and in the GIS world, differs significantly from raster data.
Advantages of vector data model
• 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 of vector data model
• The location of each vertex needs to be stored explicitly.
• For effective analysis, vector data must be converted into a
topological structure.
• 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
Advantages of raster data model
• 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 of raster data model
• 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.

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