What is the main difference between single band and multiband rasters?

The main difference between single band and multiband rasters lies in the number of values stored per cell. Single band rasters consist of only one value for each pixel, which can represent a range of data such as elevation, temperature, or a specific wavelength of imagery. This simplicity means that the data captured is univariate, focusing exclusively on one type of information or measurement.

In contrast, multiband rasters hold multiple values per pixel, often associated with different wavelengths or categories of data. For instance, in satellite imagery, a multiband raster might include values for red, green, blue, and infrared bands, allowing for more complex analyses, such as land cover classification or vegetation health assessment. The multiple bands provide a richer dataset that can support various types of analyses not possible with single band rasters.

Considering this explanation, the other options lack essential components of the concept. While single band rasters can appear less complex than multiband rasters in terms of information captured, the more critical distinguishing feature is the number of values per cell, making the explanation focusing on values clear and correct.