What is the data format of NorthSeattleElev?

The data format of NorthSeattleElev is a raster dataset, which is commonly used in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to represent continuous data over a spatial extent. Raster datasets are composed of grid cells (or pixels) arranged in rows and columns, and each cell contains a value that represents information such as elevation, temperature, or other quantitative variables.

In the context of elevation data, a raster dataset typically provides a detailed representation of terrain, capturing variations in elevation across a landscape. This format is well-suited for modeling and analyzing digital elevation models (DEMs), where each value may represent ground height at that specific location.

Raster datasets enable various analytical capabilities in GIS, including terrain analysis, hydrological modeling, and landscape visualization. The choice of a raster format for NorthSeattleElev suggests that the data is likely intended for tasks such as calculating slope, aspect, or generating contours based on the elevation values present in the dataset.

In contrast, other formats like polygon feature classes or feature datasets are typically used for representing vector data, which is more suited for discrete items like buildings or land use areas, rather than continuous phenomena like elevation. A mosaic dataset is specifically designed to manage and serve multiple raster datasets and is not a standalone representation of elevation data.