Vector Data Model and Storage

Vector data model

In a vector data model, the computer stores points, lines and polygons as x and y locations.

A point feature would only have one x and y location associated with it, whereas a line feature would be stored as a series of several x,y pairs. Polygons are also stored as a series of x and y locations, but the first and last position is the same location.

Vector data storage

In today’s systems, this information is often stored internally in relational tables which are organized according to a set of standard rules. The users do not normally see it. We do, however, see attribute information about the features. Features can have many different types of attributes.

Points

Lines

Polygons