Which data type best represents a continuous surface such as elevation data?

• A. Vector
• B. Raster
• C. Points
• D. Polygons

Answer: (B)

A continuous surface is best represented as a raster. In a raster model, space is divided into a regular grid of cells, and each cell stores a numeric value—such as elevation. This arrangement naturally captures gradual changes across an area, allowing the surface to vary smoothly from cell to cell, which is essential for a digital elevation model (DEM) and similar continuous fields.

Vector formats (points, lines, polygons) model discrete features with defined geometry. Points sample locations, lines trace linear features, and polygons enclose areas with a constant value per feature. None of these convey a continuous gradient across space as efficiently or accurately as a raster does, making them less suitable for representing elevation surfaces.

So, for a continuous surface like elevation data, the raster data type is the most appropriate choice.