Choosing Between Raster, Vector, and Point-Cloud Data — and When to Use Each
- Anvita Shrivastava
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Selecting the appropriate data format is one of the most important steps when working with spatial information (GIS analysis, Mapping, Photogrammetry, Computer Vision, Digital Twins). Each of the raster, vector, and point cloud dataset formats has advantages and disadvantages. Selecting the proper format will increase performance, accuracy, and ultimately, the value of your spatial analysis.
What Are Raster, Vector, and Point-Cloud Data?
Before you can choose a type of data format, it’s essential to know how these three types of data represent the world.
Raster Data
Consider raster data as a collection of pixels. Each pixel has a corresponding value for each type of information, such as:
Color
Elevation
Temperature
Spectral signature
Examples: satellite imagery, aerial photos, DEMs, land cover grids.
Vector Data
Vector data uses geometric shapes to depict real-world features.
Point - ex. Trees and fire hydrants are points.
Line - ex. Road and rivers
Polygon - ex. Buildings, Parcels, and Lakes
Examples of vector data include administrative boundaries, utility networks and facilities, road networks, and Footprints of Buildings.
Point-Cloud Data
Data points are large sets of 3D position coordinates that provide a representation of the 3D surfaces. The data points often have additional information about them, such as the following:
RGB values
Intensity
Classification (ground, vegetation, building)
Sources: LiDAR, photogrammetry, SLAM scanners, and drones.
Raster vs. Vector vs. Point-Cloud: Key Differences
Attribute | Raster | Vector | Point-Cloud |
Dimensionality | 2D grid | 2D/2.5D geometry | Full 3D |
Best For | Continuous surfaces | Discrete features | High-precision 3D |
Data Size | Can be large | Usually smaller | Very large |
Precision | Depends on resolution | High positional accuracy | Extremely high |
Common Uses | Imagery, terrain models | Mapping, analysis | 3D models, inspections |
Applications of Raster Data
Raster data is well-suited for representing gradual, continuous variations over a large geographic area.
Rasters should be used when:
You are representing images or spectral data.
You are analyzing topography (Digital Elevation Models and Digital Surface Models, slope, aspect).
You are modeling environmental processes (heat maps, runoff, vegetation indices).
You are producing remote sensing products (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, land cover).
You are visualizing surface type data (thermal maps, soil moisture).
Do not use raster data when:
Your data consists of features with hard boundaries (i.e., property lots).
You need to produce clean geometric shapes.
You are concerned about storage/performance issues (high-resolution raster files will become very large).
When Should You Use Vector Data
Vector data is ideal for capturing discrete features (as opposed to continuous surfaces); therefore, it is ideal for accurate geometries.
Use Vector To:
Create maps of roads, utilities, buildings, and boundaries.
Perform network analysis, e.g., routing or tracing utilities.
Generate geospatial queries, e.g., intersection, overlay, and buffer.
Build a topologically correct dataset (e.g., parcel boundaries).
Implementing a CAD-to-GIS workflow.
Do Not Use Vector To:
Map features with continuous surface variations.
Create images or renderings.
Provide detailed 3D representations (the Z-dimension of a vector is limited).
When to Use Point-Cloud Data
Times when PCD should definitely be utilized:
When capturing Reality via Surveying and Digital Twins
When mapping terrain/vegetation structure
When Conducting Volumetric Analysis (Earthworks, Mining, Stockpile)
When creating 3D Models, Meshes, or BIM Inputs
When conducting infrastructure inspections (Bridges, Towers, Utilities)
When Creating AS-BUILT Documentation
PCDs offer the greatest level of detail possible, which means the highest level of Engineering Quality of Accuracy is available with PCDs.
Times when you probably shouldn’t utilize PCD:
You want to create 2D Maps.
You have very Large File Sizes/limited Computer Power.
You don’t need Highly Detailed 3D Geometries.
How to Choose the Best Data Type for Your Project
Here’s a practical decision guide:
Choose Raster if:
You’re working with imagery
You need to analyze terrain or environmental variables.
Choose Vector if:
You need clean, well-defined geometries.
Your features have strict boundaries or topology.
Choose Point-Cloud if:
You require a highly accurate 3D representation.
Your project involves surveying, construction, or digital twins
The Use of Combined Formats
Hybrid solutions that combine raster, vector, and point-cloud format software have many applications in practical business workflows.
Urban Planning – Raster satellite imagery and terrain modeling, Vector parcel data is utilized to create land-use maps and road networks, and 3D point-cloud representation is used to scan buildings.
Drone Mapping – Raster orthomosaic, Vector extracted building footprints, and contours, as well as 3D point-cloud reconstruction.
Forestry – Raster NDVI and canopy height data, Vector management and property boundary maps, and 3D point-cloud-based measurements of tree height and biomass.
Integrating raster, vector, and point-cloud formats into analyses provides more comprehensive and accurate results.
When selecting raster, vector, or point-cloud data for your project, it is important to consider the purpose of the project, the complexity of the data, and the accuracy needed. Raster data is best suited for representing continuous surfaces of a terrain; vector data is better for representing discrete or structured features; and point-cloud data provides 3D detail that cannot be obtained from other formats.
Understanding the limitations of each format and their strengths provides you with an advantage in developing optimal spatial processing workflows that generate quality products.
For more information or any questions regarding the raster, vector, and point-cloud data, please don't hesitate to contact us at
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