Rasterikartta

Rasterikartta is a Finnish term that translates to "raster map" or "bitmap map." It refers to a type of digital map that is composed of a grid of pixels, similar to a digital photograph. Each pixel in a raster map has a specific color or value, which collectively form the visual representation of geographic features. Unlike vector maps, which store data as mathematical lines, points, and polygons, raster maps represent continuous surfaces such as elevation, temperature, or satellite imagery.

The data for raster maps is typically acquired through remote sensing technologies like satellite imagery or aerial photography. They are also generated from scanned paper maps or by converting vector data into a pixel-based format. Raster maps are excellent for displaying thematic information and for visualizing gradual changes across a landscape. They are commonly used in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for analysis and display purposes. However, they can be resolution-dependent, meaning that zooming in too far can result in a pixelated or blurry image. Editing and manipulating individual features on a raster map can also be more challenging compared to vector data.