Unit 3

Computer Graphics
Raster Image or Object
Raster images are made up of a set grid of dots called pixels where each pixel is assigned a color
value. Unlike a vector image, raster images are resolution dependent. When you change the size
of a raster image, you shrink or stretch the pixels themselves which can result in a significant
loss of clarity and very blurry image. Raster editors such as Photoshop or GIMP are great for
photographs as well as for adding effects, shadows and textures to designs.

Vector Image
Vector images are made up of basic geometric shapes such as points, lines and curves. The
relationship of the shapes is expressed as a mathematical equation which allows the image to
scale up or down in size without losing quality. Logo designs and print work such as brochures
and posters should be designed as vector images using vector drawing software like Adobe
Illustrator, Corel Draw or Inkscape.

The major difference is that raster image pixels do not retain their appearance as size increases -
when you blow a photograph up, it becomes blurry for this reason. Vector images do retain
appearance regardless of size, since the mathematical formulas dictate how the image is
rendered.

Hierarchical Storage
A hierarchical database is a design that uses a one-to-many relationship for data elements.
Hierarchical database models use a tree structure that links a number of disparate elements to one
"owner," or "parent," primary record.
The idea behind hierarchical database models is useful for a certain type of data storage, but it is
not extremely versatile. Its limitations mean that it is confined to some very specific uses. For
example, where each individual person in a company may report to a given department, the
department can be used as a parent record and the individual employees will represent secondary
records, each of which links back to that one parent record in a hierarchical structure.
Hierarchical databases were popular in early database design, in the era of mainframe computers.
While some IBM and Microsoft models are still in use, many other types of business databases
use more flexible models to accommodate more sophisticated types of data management.
Hierarchical models make the most sense where the primary focus of information gathering is on
a concrete hierarchy such as a list of business departments, assets or people that will all be
associated with specific higher-level primary data elements.