Modulraster

Modulraster is a modular raster grid concept used to organize spatial or image data into repeatable, tile-like units called modules. Each module represents a fixed-size raster cell, typically square, though hexagonal variants can also be used. By assembling multiple modules, a larger, continuous raster is formed, enabling flexible resolution and easy tiling over geographic areas or image frames.

In a modulraster system, data organization follows a two-level scheme: the module index and the intra-module cell index. This arrangement supports scalable data structures, straightforward indexing, and parallel processing, as operations can be distributed across independent modules. Modularity also facilitates selective loading and streaming, since only the required modules need to be retrieved for a given view or analysis.

Advantages of modulraster include scalable resolution, efficient storage through uniform tile sizes, and compatibility with tile-based processing pipelines. The approach supports multi-layer data representations, such as multi-spectral bands or time series, by associating metadata with individual modules or with module groups. It also aligns well with visualization workflows that require smooth zooming and progressive rendering.

Applications span geographic information systems, remote sensing, urban planning, scientific visualization, and computer graphics. In GIS, modulraster methods complement tiling schemes and multi-resolution pyramids, enabling incremental updates and efficient caching. Implementations must address boundary handling between adjacent modules, resampling at module borders, and metadata management to maintain consistency across the grid.

See also: raster, tiling, tiling scheme, multi-resolution pyramid, grid, modular design.