Module 3.1 : Scale & Spatial Data Aggregation
Scale effects on vector and resolution effects on raster data are critical considerations in geographic information systems (GIS) and cartography. Scale effects in vector data entail changes in representation and accuracy when viewing or analyzing data at different scales. At smaller scales, generalization becomes necessary to avoid clutter and maintain map legibility, but this simplification can lead to information loss. Precision can also be compromised, causing positional inaccuracies, labeling issues may arise, and clustering of features at smaller scales can obscure their true distribution. In contrast, raster data resolution refers to the size of individual cells, which directly impacts the level of detail in the dataset. High spatial resolution provides fine detail, making it suitable for tasks like land-use classification, but it also results in larger file sizes and increased computational demands. Gerrymandering, a political manipulation of electoral district boundaries, in
