Discretization of space

Raster data model:

In raster data models, spatial objects are divided into regular grid cells. In this model, the discretization of space is evident. It is particular suitable to model continuous physical phenomena. In Switzerland, the meteorological stations are distributed irregularly in space. To convert this point samples to raster, the values of the missing locations can be calculated depending on the distance to the meteorological stations. The accuracy depends on the mesh size of the raster model (10m, 20m etc.).

Vector data model:

In vector data models, discretization is not obvious. Objects are represented as exact entities. Especially manmade objects are represented, such as parcels and streets. The discretization depends on the precision with which the data is stored in a GIS. The two most important data types are integers and floating point numbers. Both types provide positive and negative values. Floating point numbers are subdivided into single precision and double precision.

Further information about raster data models and vector data models is provided in the module "Spatial Modeling" (Lesson: Digital Models).