What distinguishes a discrete raster from a continuous raster?

Discrete rasters are designed to categorize distinct values into defined classes or categories, which means each cell within a discrete raster contains a specific value that represents a distinct entity or classification, such as land cover type (e.g., forest, water, urban). This categorization allows for easy identification and analysis of different features within the landscape.

In contrast, continuous rasters are used to represent data that varies smoothly across space. They contain a range of values and are often used for phenomena like elevation, temperature, or rainfall, where every cell represents a potential value within a continuous spectrum, rather than distinct, categorical types.

The other options focus on incorrect definitions of discrete or continuous rasters, highlighting aspects that do not align with their true characteristics. Understanding this distinction is crucial for effectively utilizing raster data in GIS projects.