Which file format is NOT suitable for storing raster data?

The SHP file format, commonly known as a shapefile, is specifically designed for storing vector data, which consists of points, lines, and polygons used to represent geographic features such as roads, boundaries, and locations. Raster data, on the other hand, is comprised of pixels arranged in a grid, suitable for representing continuous data like aerial imagery or elevation models.

While JPEG, PNG, and TIF formats are all appropriate for raster data storage due to their ability to handle pixel-based image data, the SHP format is not compatible with raster data, making it the clear choice when identifying a format that does not support this type of information. This fundamental distinction between vector and raster data formats is important in GIS as it affects how data is managed, analyzed, and visualized within geographic information systems.