5 Other data models

5.1 Point Cloud Data

Point cloud data is a special instance of vector data. Points represent the height at which a lidar beam intersects with an object to produce a high volume of points that can be used to construct elevation models or 3D models. Point cloud points contain x, y, & z data.

The PDAL library (pronounced “pee-dahl” or “poodle”) is a common tool for working with and visualizing this kind of data.

5.2 Mesh Data

Mesh data combines features from raster and vector data. Coverage is continuous, like a raster, but cells can be shapes other than square, regular or irregular, because the geometry is a combination of points, lines, and polygons, called points, edges, and facets. The QGIS Documentation has an in-depth explanation of mesh data.

5.2.1 Triangular Irregular Network (TIN)

Triangular Irregular Networks (TIN) are useful to represent surfaces. The geometry, as the name implies, is a set of triangles that are any shape and size. Data you might see stored as a TIN includes slope, elevation, and aspect.

5.2.2 Hexagonal Grids

Hexagonal (Hex for short) Grids have cells that are hexagonal in shape instead of squares. Hex grids are common in movement analysis so you’ll see them in the fields of transportation and animal ecology alike. The hexagonal shape gives each cell six neighbors instead of 4 with a square grid, making it easier to describe more natural movement situations.