What type of data do discrete data rasters typically represent?

Discrete data rasters are specifically designed to represent distinct and separate categories or classes rather than continuous measurements. This kind of data typically includes features that can be identified and classified, such as land use types, soil classifications, or zoning areas. Each pixel in a discrete raster contains a value that corresponds to a specific category, indicating a particular type of land cover, soil type, or resource management area.

For instance, in a zoning map, different zones (residential, commercial, industrial) are represented in different colors or values, making it easy to see how land is allocated. This characteristic distinguishes discrete data rasters from continuous data, which measure attributes that can vary smoothly over space, such as elevation or temperature values. By focusing on specific classifications, discrete rasters enable a clearer analysis of categorical information within a geographic area.