What types of GIS Data are there and what is the need of GIS Data Conversion?

Data is an important aspect of GIS. The technological advancements have enhanced GIS data, making it useful for different purposes such as mapping, urban planning, transportation planning, disaster management, and mitigation, etc.

The GIS data can be classified into two different types such as vector and raster. Most GIS software applications generally focus on usage as well as the manipulation of vector geodatabases.

Vector data - It is split into three types such as polygon, line and point data. Polygons are used to represent areas such as the boundary of a city, lake, or forest. Such features are two dimensional and can be used to measure the area and perimeter of a geographic feature. These features are most normally distinguished using either a thematic mapping symbology or color gradation scheme could be used.

Line data is used to represent linear features. Common examples would be rivers, trails, and streets. These features only have one dimension and therefore, can only be used to measure length. It can have a starting and ending point. Common examples would be road centerlines and hydrology. 

Point data is mostly used to represent non - adjacent features. Also, to represent discrete data points. Points have zero dimensions, hence, you can measure neither length nor area with this dataset. 

Raster Data - It is cell-based and this data category also includes aerial and satellite imagery. There are two types of raster data namely continuous and discrete.  One example of discrete raster data is population density. Continuous data examples are temperature and elevation measurements. 

Each cell contains a value signifying the dominant value of that cell. Raster datasets are essential to the most spatial analysis. Data analysis from Digital Elevation Models occurs with raster datasets. Spatial hydrology modeling also uses a raster-based system. 

Spectral data presents aerial or satellite imagery. This is mostly used to derive vegetation geologic information by classifying the spectral signatures of each type of feature.

The power of a GIS solution is in the data analysis. The effort to bring stable, accurate data is a necessity for any GIS Service Company. 

GIS Data Conversion means converting computer data into another format. With huge amounts of GIS data available for use, it is more cost-efficient and effective to convert the data from one format to another. It is certainly better than recreating all of it. 

One particular form of data conversion is transferring data between data models or product specifications. This states that you are moving the data between two data models that have similar feature classes and fields. 

You can load the data into a geodatabase which contains the schema for the newer version of the data model.

GIS Solutions companies can make use of different strategies for converting data to ensure that the data is compatible with their systems. Once the data conversion process is finished, it is suggested that you verify that the import or export process has completed successfully. After you have established that the attribution is correct, you can edit the data or proceed to data validation tasks.

For the appropriate and quality GIS Services, you may reach out to a well - known and skilled GIS Solutions Company.

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