What is a primary characteristic of a raster data structure?

A primary characteristic of a raster data structure is that it consists of an array of grid cells, also known as pixels. Each cell in this grid holds a value that represents information, such as color or elevation. Raster data is commonly used in geographic information systems (GIS) to represent continuous data, such as satellite imagery, temperature gradients, or elevation models. This grid-based format allows users to perform spatial analysis and visualize data in a structured way.

In contrast, continuous coordinate space typically refers to vector data structures, which use points, lines, and polygons to represent features in a continuous manner. Discreet feet measurements do not capture the essence of a raster structure, as they imply a form of measurement rather than the grid-based representation that defines raster data. Thus, the choice highlighting the array of grid cells accurately describes the fundamental nature of raster data.