The digital image raster data structure is proving to be a useful representation for geographic information from the viewpoints of both storage and processing, with current emphasis upon ultra-large or ultra-fine raster processing made possible by image processing technology.
The digital image raster data structure is proving to be a useful representation for geographic information from the viewpoints of both storage and processing. Several components of this trend can be identified: the development of scanners such as Landsat for remote sensing of the Earth's surface, the development of a raster representation for terrain (elevation) data, the spread of image processing technology, and increased sophistication in application areas. The raster data structure is familiar to planners as a fine grid cell system, but current emphasis is upon ultra-large or ultra-fine raster processing made possible by image processing technology.