GIS Data Models
Principles of GIS: Lecture -12
Dr. Toqeer Ahmed, CCRD, Dept. of
Meteorology, CUI
Overview
1. One of the most imp topic in GIS is the type of data.
2. We will discuss types of geographic data
………Characteristics, format, stored and usage of
each of them.
3. GIS data models are mathematical structures used to
represent real-world geographic features digitally,
with the two primary types being vector (discrete
points, lines, polygons) and raster (continuous grid
cells)
• Vector models are best for distinct features like roads
or buildings, while raster models excel at continuous
data like elevation or satellite imagery
Data Modeling
• Data modeling in GIS is the process of
creating a digital representation of real-
world geographic features, defining how
spatial data (location) and attribute data
(characteristics) are structured, stored, and
managed.
• It uses models like vector (points, lines,
polygons) and raster (pixels) to define rules
and relationships for spatial analysis
A data model in GIS is a set of rules, structures, and specifications used to
define, organize, and represent real-world geographic features (spatial data) and
their attributes in a digital environment
It acts as a bridge
between the real
world and a
computer system,
determining how
data is stored,
modeled, and
analyzed
Core GIS Data Models
•Vector Data Model: Uses coordinate pairs to represent
discrete features, making it ideal for distinct, boundary-
defined objects .
•Points: Specific locations (e.g., GPS points, cities) .
•Lines: Connected vertices (e.g., roads, rivers) .
•Polygons: Closed areas (e.g., land parcels, country
borders) .
•Topology: Many vector models establish spatial
relationships (connectivity, adjacency) between features .
•Raster Data Model: Comprised of a matrix (or grid) of cells,
where each cell contains a value representing information
(e.g., elevation, temperature) . It is superior for representing
continuous phenomena .
•Features: Ideal for imagery, satellite data, and elevation
(e.g., [Digital Elevation Models (DEMs)]) .
•Structure: Often uses squares to subdivide space,
where finer cell sizes (resolution) increase file size but
Other GIS Data Models
Other Data Representation Models
TIN (Triangulated Irregular Network): A vector-based surface
model that uses non-overlapping triangles to represent 3D
surfaces (terrain)
Object/Network Model: Specific implementations that focus on
object-oriented behaviors or network connectivity (e.g., utility
piping)
A terrain model is a 3D digital or physical representation of the Earth's surface,
capturing topography, elevation, and slope for analysis, simulation, and engineering
purposes.
Key Concepts and Applications:
• Digital Terrain Model (DTM): A detailed 3D bare-earth representation,
widely used for engineering, hydrologic modeling, and land management.
• Digital Elevation Model (DEM): A broad term for grid-based elevation data
often used for regional terrain visualization (e.g., NASA’s SRTM data).
• Data Sources: Terrain models are generated from LIDAR (laser scanning),
drone/satellite photogrammetry, and existing contour maps.
• Uses: Crucial for planning infrastructure, calculating cut-and-fill volumes,
analyzing flood risk, predicting landslides, and rendering 3D visualizations
for architects.
• Representation: Frequently modeled as a Triangular Irregular Network
(TIN) to create a network of the topography.
Vector Data
Vector models are based on the vectors in the
form of coordinate pairs of:-
o Points
o Lines
o Area/Polygon
Point Line Area/Polygon
Zero dimensional One dimensional Two dimensional
Property of location Property of Length Property of area, perimeter
Points called node/vertex/0 Has two endpoints. The Area may be shared boundaries or
cell shape of the line may be alone. Area may contain holes like
Made up of a point or set of curved or smooth. Made up internal or external boundaries
separate point of a lines Made of connected lines
Examples Examples Examples
• Well • Roads • Timber stands
• Signals • Counters, • Land parcels,
• Mosques etc. • Rivers etc. • Water boundaries etc.
Raster Data
o In its simplest form, a raster consists of a matrix of cells (or pixels)
o organized into rows and columns (or a grid) where each cell contains
a value representing information, such as temperature