Which of the following best describes vector data in GIS?

Vector data in GIS is best described as data that uses points, lines, and polygons to represent geographic features and their relationships. This structure allows for precise mapping of a wide range of phenomena, such as roads (represented as lines), lakes (represented as polygons), and individual trees or landmarks (represented as points).

The distinction of vector data lies in its ability to store discrete data values, which is particularly useful for detailed analyses and exact measurements, such as calculating distances, areas, and spatial relationships between features. Vector data is scalable and typically yields high-quality visual and analytical outputs, making it essential in various applications ranging from urban planning to environmental modeling.

While other answer choices reference aspects of GIS, they do not accurately capture the nature of vector data. For instance, continuous values pertain more to raster data, which represents information through grid cells rather than specific points or shapes. Satellite imagery is another type of data source but is more commonly associated with raster data rather than the vector format. The mention of a raster model fails to align with the definition of vector data, as raster data is based on pixels and continuous data representation. Thus, the focus on points, lines, and polygons distinctly characterizes vector data in a GIS context.