Which spatial data type uses pixels to represent values of a continuous phenomenon?

• A. Raster
• B. Vector
• C. Neither
• D. Pixel-based

Answer: (A)

Representing a continuous phenomenon with a grid of values is done with raster data. In a raster dataset, the space is divided into regular cells (often thought of as pixels), and each cell holds a value that represents the measured quantity at that location. This pixel-based grid is ideal for continuous surfaces like elevation, temperature, or rainfall, where values change gradually across the landscape.

Vector data, by contrast, uses discrete geometry—points, lines, and polygons with attributes—better for representing boundaries, routes, or distinct features rather than a continuous field.

“Pixel-based” is not the formal data type name, even though rasters are pixel grids. The standard term for this data type is raster, which is why it’s the best answer.