Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of vector data?

Vector data is a fundamental data structure in GIS used to represent geographic features. One of the primary characteristics of vector data is its ability to represent distinct entities using points, lines, and polygons. This representation allows for precise geometric details, making it especially useful for applications that require accurate mapping of features such as roads, land parcels, and point locations.

Because vector data consists of coordinate-based geometries, it provides the ability to capture complex shapes with high accuracy, which is integral for various analyses and visualizations in GIS. The efficiency in storing discrete features is another advantage, as vector data can compress geometric information without losing significant detail, particularly when dealing with individual features or linear attributes.

In contrast, pixel-based images represent data through a grid of pixels, which is characteristic of raster data. Raster data captures continuous surfaces or phenomena, such as temperature or elevation, but does not convey the clear geometric forms inherent in vector representations. Hence, the choice indicating that vector data is composed of pixel-based images is the correct answer, as it misrepresents the core nature of vector data entirely.