What is the difference between "vector" and "raster" data in GIS?

In Geographic Information Systems (GIS), there are two primary types of data models used to represent geographic information: vector and raster data. The distinction between them is fundamental to understanding how spatial data is stored, analyzed, and visualized.

Vector data is composed of discrete elements that represent specific geographic features. These features can include points (like intersections or wells), lines (such as roads or rivers), and polygons (which could represent lakes, land parcels, or any bounded area). Each of these features is defined by coordinates, which allows for precise representation and manipulation of individual objects in a space.

On the other hand, raster data represents continuous fields. This type of data is composed of a grid of cells (or pixels), where each cell has a value that represents information about that location, such as elevation, temperature, or reflectance. Raster data is ideal for depicting phenomena that change continuously over space, such as climate data or land cover.

The correct option highlights these distinctions, emphasizing that vector data captures discrete objects with clear boundaries, while raster data is suitable for representing continuous variation across a landscape. Understanding this difference is crucial for choosing the appropriate data type for specific GIS analyses or applications.