Fundamentals of Data Representation: Comparison between vector and bitmaps

This image illustrates the difference between bitmap and vector images. The bitmap image is composed of a fixed set of dots (pixels), while the vector image is composed of a fixed set of shapes. In the picture, scaling the bitmap reveals the pixels and scaling the vector image preserves the shapes.

• Vector images scale without file size increase / decrease
• Bitmap images scale resulting in file size increase / decrease
• Vector images scale without distortion to the image
• Bitmap images distort (pixellate) when scaling
• Bitmaps are better for photo editing
• Bitmaps require less processing power to display

Exercise: Vector vs Bitmap You wish to create an image that will be made into a giant banner for the side of a building. What type should you use and why? Answer : Vector, as it allows for scaling without distortion and retaining it's file size You wish to create an image that will be used in a game, that will run on a mobile phone and a home console. What type should you use and why? Answer : Vector, as it allows for scaling without distortion and retaining it's file size. You would only need one image to use on all the different systems. You want to take an image of a local cat stuck in a tree. What type should you use and why? Answer : Bitmap as it is better for photographs.