Which are the three main types of geographic data models?

The three main types of geographic data models are vector, raster, and tabular.

Vector data models represent geographic features with defined boundaries and attributes, using points, lines, and polygons. This format is particularly effective for representing discrete features such as roads, cities, and parcels of land, allowing for precise analysis and visualization.

Raster data models, on the other hand, represent geographical phenomena as a matrix of cells or pixels, with each cell containing a value that represents some attribute (like temperature, elevation, or land cover). This format is ideal for continuous data and is widely used in applications such as satellite imagery and terrain analysis.

Tabular data models organize information into rows and columns, akin to a spreadsheet, allowing relational databases to store attribute data associated with geographic features. While not inherently spatial, tabular data can be linked to vector or raster data for enhanced analysis.

This combination of vector, raster, and tabular data forms the foundation for how geographic information systems (GIS) manage, analyze, and visualize spatial data, making option B the most comprehensive and accurate choice.