What is a common use of vertex data in GIS?

Vertex data is crucial in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as it fundamentally represents the points that define geometric shapes, such as polygons and lines. When a polygon is created to represent an area on a map, its shape and boundaries are constructed from a series of connected vertices. Similarly, lines—like roads or rivers—are depicted through a sequence of vertex coordinates that outline their paths. This representation allows for precise mapping and visualization of features on the Earth’s surface.

In contrast, the other options do not utilize vertex data in the same foundational way. Text labels on maps typically involve annotation data rather than geometric vertex points. Creating point clouds for 3D modeling involves different data collection methods and processing, often relying on LiDAR data or photogrammetry rather than traditional vertex data. Displaying raster images deals with grid-based data of pixels rather than vector representations defined by vertices. Each of these alternatives serves a distinct purpose in GIS, but they do not embody the essential role that vertex data plays in defining shape and spatial relationships in vector-based data models.