A discrete raster is characterized by which of the following?

A discrete raster is defined by distinct categories or classes that represent specific values within the raster. This means that each cell in a discrete raster has a defined, finite set of values, often associated with specific types of information that can be easily categorized, such as land use types, soil classification, or vegetation types. By classifying data into distinct categories, discrete rasters effectively allow for the analysis of thematic information.

The emphasis on classified categories distinguishes discrete rasters from continuous rasters, which represent data that can have any value within a certain range, such as temperature or elevation. Discrete rasters are particularly useful for applications where specific boundaries or classifications are significant for analysis, such as categorical mapping or land cover.

In contrast, options referencing continuous data, random values, or overall average measurements do not accurately describe the nature of discrete rasters, as those concepts relate to other types of data representation within GIS, such as continuous rasters that represent gradients or distributions rather than distinct categories.