Vector data is, by far, the most common geospatial format because it is the most efficient way to store spatial information. In general, it requires fewer computer resources to store and process than raster data. The OGC has over 16 formats directly related to vector data. Vector data stores only geometric primitives, including points, lines, and polygons. However, only the points are stored for each type of shape. For example, in the case of a simple straight vector line shape, only the endpoints would be necessarily stored and defined as a line. Software displaying this data would read the shape type and then connect the endpoints with a line dynamically.
Geospatial vector data is similar to the concept of vector computer graphics, with some notable exceptions. Geospatial vector data contains positive and negative Earth-based...