Raster vs Vector Maps: What's the Difference & Which are Best?` Raster data is made up as a matrix of pixels, often square and regularly spaced, whereas vector data stores basic geometries such as points, lines, and polygons. Raster data is suitable for continuous spatial phenomena like elevation or soil type, while vector data is ideal for discrete features like buildings or roads. The choice between raster and vector data depends on the specific use case, with raster often used in remote sensing data and vector being preferred for analysing discrete spatial features. Both formats can be converted to each other, and there are new data types that combine characteristics of both. Spatial indexes, a global grid that renders individual features like polygons, offer fast analysis speeds while still supporting vector-based analysis.