Understanding the differences between Vector and bitmap images/Graphics
Bitmap
Bitmap is a collection of images using tiny dots called
pixels. Each pixel is a very small pixel
that is given a colour and can be moved around to form an image. When zoomed in
you can see the tiny pixels individually.
You can use adobe Photoshop to edit bitmap graphics by
erasing or changing the colour of individual pixels. The human eye is not able
to see each individual pixel so we perceive a picture with smooth gradations.
When you change a bitmap graphic, it tends to lose its quality,
if enlarged too much it can look unnatural and blocky and if you reduce the
size it reduces the quality of the image and loses some sharpness. The
resolution of the image improves when the cells are smaller and closer together
and bitmap graphics look more realistic.
The advantage of bitmaps is it is more universal, they
can be read by most bitmap based software such as jpg and png.
Vector
Vector Graphics use mathematical formulas to draw lines
and curves that can be edited by using a program called Adobe illustrator. Each individual line is made up of either a
vast collection of points with lines interconnecting all of them, or a few
control points that are connected using Bezier curves, this gives the best
results.
Vector graphics are more flexible than bitmaps because
they can be easily re-sized, e.g. if you zoom in the quality remains smoother.
Using vector graphics produces realistic images and 3D perspectives become more
realistic. Vector images can be more scalable, as a bitmap image shows the
individual pixels and the images can be made smoother by redrawing the formula.
Most vector images tend to use less memory than bitmap
images because bitmaps y have to store colour information for each individual
pixel which forms the image whereas vector images just have to store the
mathematical formulas.
There used to be a home gaming system that used vector
graphics called Vectrex as well as other various arcade games.
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