Spatial Data

Most data in the earth sciences are spatially distributed either as vector data (i.e., points, lines, polygons; e.g., river networks, coastlines) or as raster data (i.e., square grids, triangular grids; e.g., gridded topography). Vector data are generated by digitizing map objects, such as drainage networks or outlines of lithologic units. Raster data can be obtained directly from a satellite sensor output, but gridded data can also be interpolated from irregularly distributed field sampling (gridding).