What is an example of a map algebra operator?

Map algebra is a method used in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to perform spatial analysis and manage raster data. It involves combining, overlaying, and manipulating raster datasets by applying various operators. The local or arithmetic operators are essential components of map algebra, as they allow for calculations to be performed on pixel values across the raster datasets.

Local operators, often referred to as arithmetic operators, focus on computations that take into account the values of individual pixels. For instance, if you have two raster layers representing elevation and rainfall, you can apply arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division to produce a new raster that reflects a combined representation of those values at each pixel. This capability is fundamental to many GIS analyses and helps in deriving new information from existing datasets.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different types of spatial operations. Overlay, intersect, and clip are all examples of spatial analysis techniques primarily associated with vector data. They involve combining geometric features from different layers rather than manipulating pixel values directly. Therefore, while these methods are crucial to GIS analysis, they do not fall under the definition of map algebra operators, which specifically apply to raster data manipulation.