Esri ArcGIS Pro Foundation Certification Practice Test

Which two formats are used for vector data?

1. Shapefiles

2. Raster datasets

3. TIFF files

4. Point feature classes

The correct answer is: Shapefiles

Vector data is a crucial component of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), representing features through points, lines, and polygons. Shapefiles are one of the most widely used formats for storing vector data. They consist of several files that define the geometry and attributes of point, line, and polygon features, making them fundamental for spatial analysis in GIS applications. Point feature classes are another correct answer that can be included alongside shapefiles. They describe specific locations in three-dimensional space using coordinates, and like shapefiles, they convey geographic information in a vector format. This makes point feature classes essential for representing discrete locations, such as landmarks or well sites. In contrast, raster datasets and TIFF files are primarily used for storing raster data. Rasters represent data in a grid format where each cell has a value corresponding to an area, making them suitable for continuous data like elevation or temperature, rather than discrete features represented by vector data. This distinction clarifies why only formats that deal with vector representations, such as shapefiles and point feature classes, are considered correct answers in this context.