Vector Data Vs. Raster Data

Vector Data

• Represented by point, line and polygon.
• Relatively small file size (small data volume)
• Excellent representation of networks.
• A large no. of attributes can be attached, hence more information intensive and a number of thematic maps can be prepared from a single layer.
• Features are more detailed & accurate.
• Creating, cleaning and updating data is more time and labour consuming.
• Topology-based analysis & operations are easier to perform (like network analysis etc.).
• Can not represent continuous values like land use, elevation etc. very well.
• Assigning projection and transformations are less time taking and consumes less memory of the computer system.
• Topology makes data structure complex.

Raster Data

• Points, line & polygons everything in the form of Pixels.
• File size is larger than vector data.
• Networks are not so well represented.
• Only one pixel value represents each grid cell.
• Generalization of features (like boundaries) hence accuracy may decrease.
• Simulations and modeling is easier (spatial analysis, terrain modeling etc.).
• Maintaining is easier.
• Excellent for representing data containing continuous values (like land use, elevation etc.)
• Coordinate-system transformations take more time and consume a lot of memory.
• Grid cells or pixel makes simpler data structure.

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