What is the difference between vector and raster data in Geographic Information Systems?

Vector data in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is defined by its representation of geographical features through points, lines, and polygons. This format allows for precise spatial representation of real-world entities, such as cities (points), roads (lines), and land parcels (polygons). Each of these geometrical constructs can store attribute data, which provides additional information about the features they represent, such as population density for points or zoning classifications for polygons.

Understanding this distinction is crucial because it underpins many analytical processes in GIS. The points, lines, and polygons facilitate various spatial analyses, such as proximity assessments, network analysis, and area calculations, which are fundamental in applications spanning urban planning, environmental management, and resource allocation.

In contrast, raster data represents geographic information in grid format, where each cell or pixel has a value corresponding to a certain attribute, such as temperature or elevation. While raster data can capture continuous phenomena over wide areas, it often lacks the precision found in vector data when defining discrete features. Vector data is inherently more complex than raster data because it can express detailed shapes and relationships between entities. The complexity of vector data arises from its inherent structure, where features can connect and interact in meaningful ways.

Furthermore, while raster data can be easier to work