What is vector data?

Vector data describes geographic objects as discrete features with explicit geometry (point, line, polygon) and attributes. Roads, parcels, address points, and boundaries are typically vector — objects with identity and properties.

Storage: shapefile, GeoPackage, GeoJSON, GML; distribution via WFS. BGT, BAG, and BRK are largely vector registries. Operations: snap, split, topology, network analysis.

Vector is not raster data: not a pixel grid with only cell values. Orthophoto and DEM are raster. The vector vs raster choice depends on discrete objects versus continuous fields.