Raster data

Dr. Hans van der Kwast

Learning objectives

After this course you are able to:

• Understand what raster data is and how it can be used in
GIS
GIS Basics

2 common data models to

represent reality in a GIS:
• Vector
• Raster
Raster data

• Matrix of pixels or cells

• Rows
• Columns
• Resolution

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Raster data

• Resolution pixel

height

width
• Data types:
• Integer – for discrete or
boolean (0,1) data
• Float – for continuous data 5.5
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• NODATA, mv, nan

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Raster resolution

High resolution Low resolution

Raster resolution

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 What is RemoteRS Sensing?
in een notendop – Opbouw van RS afbeeldingen - Gebruik van False Coilour - Opdracht

MODIS
What is RemoteRS Sensing?
in een notendop – Opbouw van RS afbeeldingen - Gebruik van False Coilour - Opdracht

ASTER
What is RemoteRS Sensing?
in een notendop – Opbouw van RS afbeeldingen - Gebruik van False Coilour - Opdracht

IKONOS
What is RemoteRS Sensing?
in een notendop – Opbouw van RS afbeeldingen - Gebruik van False Coilour - Opdracht

IKONOS
Aerial Photograph
Why raster data?

• Rasters can represent

continuous information
better than vectors, e.g.:
• Gradients in vegetation
cover
• Elevation

Can you name a few more?

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Raster types

• Discrete rasters: integer values representing classes

• E.g. Land-use map, soil map
• Continuous rasters: real values representing features
without sharp borders
• E.g. DEM, temperature map, soil moisture map, runoff map
• Boolean rasters: 1 or 0, representing true or false

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Single band rasters

Monochromatic image Gray scale image Color image

Colormap file
 Multi-band rasters

Consist of several single band rasters.

Each band relates to a range
in the electromagnetic
spectrum collected by a sensor.

Electromagnetic spectrum

Bands are commonly displayed as red

green and blue composits (RGB).
Continuous raster data - examples

• Remote sensing data

• Digital Elevation Models
(DEMs)
• Interpolated point data

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Discrete raster data - examples

• Land-use map
• Source: CORINE 2000
• Soil map
• Source JRC
• Boolean maps

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Vector versus Raster

• Raster data is computationally less expensive to render than vector graphics

• Transparency and aliasing problems when overlaying raster data
• Vector data allows for visually smooth and easy implementation of overlay operations
• Vector data can be easier to register, scale, and re-project
• Vector data is more compatible with relational database environments, where they can
be part of a relational table as a normal column and processed using a multitude of
operators.
• Vector file sizes are usually smaller than raster data, which can be tens, hundreds or
more times larger than vector data
• Vector data is simpler to update and maintain, whereas a raster image will have to be
completely reproduced.
• Vector data allows much more analysis capability, especially for "networks" such as
roads, power, rail, telecommunications, etc.
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