What is Raster Vs Vector?

Vector files are those whose nature is vector type. Geographic elements are represented from three basic structures: points, lines and polygons. Raster files are characterized by the existence of a network made up of cells or grids, more commonly known as pixels, in which each grid or pixel has a spatial quality or property (color, altitude, etc.). 

Within the vector model, the lines and points are the core elements of the system. On the other hand, in the raster model, the cell matters the most. The main difference between the two is that the raster file stores pixels whereas the vector file stores coordinates of the vertices of every geometric element. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Vector and Raster Files 

Each type of cartographic file has a series of particular characteristics, and both can be used interchangeably, but what are the main advantages and disadvantages of each model? 

The main advantage of the vector model is that it has a greater capacity to compact information. It also uses the least possible volume of GIS data. 

So in short, when we talk about accuracy, the vector files are more accurate than raster files when calculating distances and surfaces. 

Vector models allow for more precise limits as they are lines and points that are easy to define and distribute, favoring neighborhood relationships between elements and making these files the most optimal when you want to perform an analysis between spatial units.  

On the contrary, raster models have limits based on the pixel size itself and have certain difficulties in developing spatial analyses. 

From a structural point of view, the raster model is a simple and basic model, but not very compact and has quite a few difficulties in representing information when you have very large files. 

Raster models can more reliably simulate reality three-dimensionally, on the contrary, vector files have a flat character and are not able to be represented in the same way in space. 

At a commercial level, vector files are more used and shared, while raster files are more difficult to generate and obtain, so they have a higher economic cost. 

Graphically, raster models better represent reality, so the graphic outputs under a raster model allow a somewhat more realistic representation of reality than vector models. 

When it comes to assigning quantitative or qualitative attributes, vector models are the ones that are easier to edit compared to raster files, however raster models are the ones that better allow the incorporation of data from the beginning of the creation of the file. 

Vector files are easier to develop topological rules and conditions, compared to raster files, but on the contrary they generate topology problems more easily ( overlaps between elements of the same layer). 

Conclusion 

As you can see, raster and vector files have different advantages and disadvantages, which you will have to take into account when selecting the best type of file for your GIS work.  

A correct selection of the files to use can make a qualitative difference in your work, so first analyze what analysis you want to perform and then select the type of file that allows you to obtain the results you need.