Advantages and disadvantages of Raster & Vector Data

Usually every things have some advantages and disadvantages. Today we shared some advantages and disadvantages of raster and vector data. Before exploring the advantages and disadvantages of vector and raster data first got some idea about these two terms.

Vector Data: 

Vector data is based on geometrical shapes used for showing features in GIS environments. Vector data split into three types: polygon, line (or arc) and point data.read more..

Raster data :

Raster data consists of a matrix of cells (or pixels) organized into rows and columns (or a grid) where each cell contains a value representing information, such as temperature.read more..

Advantages and disadvantages of vector and raster data

Advantages of Vector Data Structures:

1. • Good representation of phenomenonology
2. • Compact
3. • Topology can be completely described
4. • Accurate graphics
5. • Retrieval, updating and generalization of graphics and attributes possible
6. • light data easily manageable
7. • Fast processing

Disadvantages of Vector Data Structures:

1. • Complex Data Structures
2. • Combination of several vector polygon maps through overlay creates difficulties
3. • Simulation is difficult because each unit has a different topological form
4. • Display and plotting can be expensive, particularly for high quality color
5. The technology is expensive, particularly for the more sophisticated software and hardware
   • Spatial analysis and filtering within polygons are impossible

 Advantages of Raster Data Structures:

1. • Simple data structures
2. • Overlay and combination of maps and remote sensed images easy
3. • Some spatial analysis methods simple to perform
4. • Simulation easy, because cells have the same size and shape
5. • Technology is cheap

Disadvantages of Raster Data Structures:

1. • The use of large cells to reduce data volumes means that phenomenonologically recognizable structures can be lost and there can be a serious loss of information
2. • Crude raster maps are considerably less beautiful than line maps
3. • Network linkages are difficult to establish
4. • Projection transformations are time consuming unless special algorithms or hardware is used.