The document discusses representations of spatial data, including vector and raster models. Vector data uses points, lines, and polygons to represent discrete features, while raster data divides space into a grid of cells. Each representation has advantages - vector is better for discrete features and boundaries, while raster is better for continuous surfaces. The document also covers converting between vector and raster data, and issues related to scale, resolution, and attribute storage for each model.
The document discusses representations of spatial data, including vector and raster models. Vector data uses points, lines, and polygons to represent discrete features, while raster data divides space into a grid of cells. Each representation has advantages - vector is better for discrete features and boundaries, while raster is better for continuous surfaces. The document also covers converting between vector and raster data, and issues related to scale, resolution, and attribute storage for each model.
The document discusses representations of spatial data, including vector and raster models. Vector data uses points, lines, and polygons to represent discrete features, while raster data divides space into a grid of cells. Each representation has advantages - vector is better for discrete features and boundaries, while raster is better for continuous surfaces. The document also covers converting between vector and raster data, and issues related to scale, resolution, and attribute storage for each model.
The document discusses representations of spatial data, including vector and raster models. Vector data uses points, lines, and polygons to represent discrete features, while raster data divides space into a grid of cells. Each representation has advantages - vector is better for discrete features and boundaries, while raster is better for continuous surfaces. The document also covers converting between vector and raster data, and issues related to scale, resolution, and attribute storage for each model.
Representation Understanding Spatial • Entities • Bona Fide
Data Models • Fields
• Fiat
Representation Vector • Points (no • Entities • Vector dimensions) • Raster • Lines, or “arcs” (1 • Fields dimension) or • Areas, or “polygons” (2 or 3 dimensions)
1 Lecture 3a
Vector Vector Data
• Locational data tell where features are • Attribute data tell what features are (lots of Zoom info!) in • Topological data tell where features are in relation to one another Topology defines relationships between features: e.g., parcel #16 is adjacent to parcel #234 Main St. is connected to First St. First St. is a one way street (direction)
…. Basis for powerful spatial analyses
Vector Problems Raster
Vector wetland polygons over a CIR photograph • Grids, or pixels • Cell size is constant • Area of each cell defines the resolution • Raster files store only one attribute, in the form of a “z” value, or grid code.
(graphic courtesy Leslie Morrissey)
2 Lecture 3a
Raster Raster cell size & resolution
Raster and Vector
Representing a terrain surface – raster vs. vector representations of the same land use:
Raster Advantages Raster and Vector • Represents high spatial variability • Analytic advantages and disadvantages • Best for mapping/modeling • Technical advantages and disadvantages continuous phenomena • Specific Usages • Represents gradients best • Better for fuzzy (transitional) A+ B = C boundaries • Space filling – grid cell for all real A estate B • Combining layers with map algebra C
Raster Disadvantages Vector Advantages
• Locational accuracy and ability to represent • Great for discrete locations and features accurately depends on cell size boundaries • Data layer represents only one theme or • not continuous data “attribute” • Maps linear features well • Poor representation of linear features and • High locational accuracy (depends on boundaries scale) • No topology • Based on topology • Raster coding problems • Lots of attribute data (multiple attributes) • Big files! (storage/transfer issue) • Small files (downloadable from Internet)
5 Lecture 3a
Vector Disadvantages Moving between vector and raster • Polygons are assumed to be homogeneous, so may miss inclusions, mixes • Lines and polygon boundaries define discrete divisions (whether or not they exist on the ground) • Poorly represent continuous surfaces, gradients • Scale (of source) determines mapping accuracy • large scale = more detail • small scale = less detail
Converting raster to vector
Converting vector to raster
6 Lecture 3a
Introduction to GIS
Conversion problems TIN – Triangulated Irregular Network
