Vector Data Model

The vector data model represents each feature as a row in a table, and feature shapes are defined by x,y locations in space (the GIS connects the dots to draw lines and outlines). Features can be discrete locations or events, lines, or polygons.

This electric utility map uses points, lines, and polygons to represent buildings, streets, and electrical facilities. Learn more about the map.

Locations such as the address of a customer or the spot a crime was committed are represented as points having a pair of geographic coordinates. Lines, such as streams or roads, are represented as a series of coordinate pairs. Polygons are defined by borders and are represented by closed polygons. They can be legally defined, such as a parcel of land; administrative, such as counties; or naturally occurring boundaries, such as watersheds.

When you analyze vector data, much of your analysis involves working with (summarizing) the attributes in the layer's data table.