Which statement best distinguishes raster from vector data models in GIS?

• A. Raster models use a grid of cells to represent continuous data, while vector models use points, lines, and polygons to represent discrete features.
• B. Raster models require precise coordinates to describe line features, while vector models rely on a grid to store imagery.
• C. Raster models can only represent boundaries, while vector models cannot represent attributes.
• D. Raster models store geometry exclusively in three dimensions, whereas vector models are two-dimensional.

Answer: (A)

Think of how each model represents space. Raster uses a grid of equally sized cells, and each cell holds a value that represents the phenomenon at that location. This makes rasters great for modeling continuous surfaces where every spot has a value, like elevation, temperature, or rainfall. Vector, on the other hand, uses precise coordinates to define discrete features: points mark specific locations, lines connect points to form roads or rivers, and polygons enclose areas like parcels or lakes. This allows exact boundaries and topological relationships for distinct features, along with their attributes.

So the statement that correctly distinguishes them is the one that says raster models represent continuous data with a grid of cells, while vector models use points, lines, and polygons to represent discrete features. The other ideas mix up how coordinates, grids, and boundaries are used, and aren’t accurate descriptions of how raster and vector data differ.