Spatial Data Models

Geographic Information System

• Modeling is the process of representing the real
(GIS) geographic phenomenon into a system so that we can
understand the characteristics of the real system through
Training the models
(14th Ashar– 24th Ashar 2072) • Map is the an example of a model to represent the real
geographic phenomenon
• Geographic phenomenon are all the geographic
Raster Creation and Spatial Model happening around us like lake, rivers, trees, electric
poles, roads etc
• Objective of spatial data modeling is representing these
Raghu N. Prajapati geographic phenomenon into computer systems which is
major objective of GIS
raghunp@nec.edu.np
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Raster and vector data models of real world

Spatial data models
Vector vs. Raster Maps
x2,y2

x1, y1

DEM
Raster Data for a line
Vector data for a line
representation Elevation
representation
representation

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Raster files are most often used:

Vector maps are appropriate for:
• For digital representations of aerial • Highly precise applications.
photographs, satellite images, scanned • When file sizes are important.
paper maps, and other applications with • When individual map features require
very detailed images. analysis.
• When costs need to be kept down. • When descriptive information must be
• When the map does not require analysis stored.
of individual map features.
• When "backdrop" maps are required.
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 Spatial data entities Raster data model
• All geographical phenomena can be
represented in two dimensions by three
main entity types
– Points
– Lines
– Polygons
• An entity is "a phenomenon of interest in
reality that is not further subdivided into
phenomena of the same kind"
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Raster Soil Map Representation with cell value

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Thank You

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