Types of Digital Map Data

Graticule offers a diverse selection of high quality digital map data

Overview

Graticule supply a large range of map data derived from carefully selected Cartographic Suppliers. We offer the highest quality map data for the UK, Europe, and the World in different formats and projected to different scales. Our experienced team can recommend the format, scale, and coverage to fulfil your requirements should you need assistance. This page is designed to help you understand the various types of data if you are unclear on their formats/uses.

• Raster Data
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    Raster map data is provided as an image file looks like a printed map when displayed on a screen. Each Raster map data layer is best viewed at one level of zoom, although some come supplied with different layers. This data is normally used for high quality print outs and background maps and would look very similar to that found in a road atlas.

    This type of data compared to Vector needs greater storage space, and is usually available in the following formats: TIFF, GIF, BMP, PNG, and JPEG.

    For use in mapping software, each raster data image will have an attached text file containing the scale and the origin point co-ordinates of the image.



• Vector Data
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    Vector map data is very flexible and enables you to include or exclude various features (e.g. towns, roads). Vector data can be manipulated by suitable software in terms of colour, styling, and inclusion or removal of features. This data can be displayed at any scale without loss of definition, and comes supplied in relatively compact files.

    Vector map data is usually available in the following formats: SHP, MIF/MID or TAB.

    To view and use vector map data you will require specialist mapping software - please contact our sales team for more information.



• Gazetteer Data
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    Gazetteers provide vital information to help you navigate your way around digital map data or provide information about your location.

    Gazetteers consist of locations with their x and y co-ordinates and various meta data about the location, for example place names along with their postcodes, TV region and STD code.

    Gazetteers are typically supplied in CSV format, so they may be imported into any database or spread sheet software, or may be processed by custom applications.



• Level of Detail
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    1:10,000 Raster
    

    1:1,500,000 Raster

    Digital map data is supplied at different levels of detail. To help you to understand the level of detail at which the map has been created, a nominal scale is given. The nominal scale can help you decide which map data would be appropriate for your requirements.

    The nominal scales generally range from 1:1,000,000 down to 1:10,000. Street level maps, allowing individual streets to be visible and named, are usually 1:50,000 or larger. Road level maps are usually provided at 1:200,000 or 1:500,000.

    At each of the scales generated, the cartographic supplier will have selected the features they consider to be most appropriate. Some may include tourist attractions or parks with the major roads, whereas other cartographers may prefer to focus on the different types of roads.