Raster data is stored as a grid of values which are rendered on a map as pixels. Each pixel value represents an area on the Earth’s surface.
Vector data
Vector data structures represent specific features on the Earth’s surface. Vectors are composed of discrete locations (x, y values) known as vertices that define the shape of the object. Organization of the vertices determines whether we are working with: point, line or polygon.
Raster data
image credit: National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON)
Vector data
image credit: National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON)
