Tables and Graphics

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RASTER AND VECTOR IMAGES

The first classification method divides images into either raster or vector graphics. Raster graphics, also called bitmap graphics, refer to images where the color value of each pixel is stored. Examples of programs that operate on raster graphics are Microsoft Paint and Adobe Photoshop. Vector graphics refer to graphic images where the graphics are stored as objects (e.g., lines, ovals, and rectangles). Examples of programs that operate on vector graphics are Microsoft Word, Adobe Illustrator, and Macromedia Flash.

With raster images, as they are zoomed or magnified, they become blurry, unclear, or pixilated. Vector images, on the other hand, appear clear regardless of how many times they are zoomed, since they are redrawn at the appropriate resolution. See examples of zooming in on raster and vector images. Furthermore, the information in raster images cannot be easily edited or searched since they simply contain the color value of each pixel needed to display the image. Vector images, however, are typically stored in plain text format which makes them easier to be read and modified by software applications. At the same time, since vector images are stored in plain text format they can be more easily indexed and searched.