Raster data is a type of digital image represented by a grid of pixels, where each pixel contains a value that corresponds to a specific attribute, such as color or elevation. This format is commonly used in geographic information systems (GIS) to represent spatial information, such as satellite imagery or terrain maps. Each pixel's value can be analyzed to extract meaningful insights about the area it represents. Raster data is often contrasted with vector data, which uses points, lines, and polygons to represent geographic features. While raster data is effective for continuous data like temperature or rainfall, vector data is better suited for discrete features like roads or boundaries. Both formats are essential for various applications in mapping and spatial analysis.