I understand Planar vs. Geodesic measurements and Euclidean vs. Geodesic measurements.
However, is there a difference between Planar and Euclidean measurements, or are these just interchangeable terms that ArcGIS uses?
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Thanks for #1.
But for #2, I'm really asking about these two terms (Planar and Euclidean) in the context of vector vs. raster analysis. I ask because ArcGIS tends to use the term "Euclidean" for raster distance analysis, and "Planar" for "vector distances". So, I'm wondering if there is a specific reason for this?
#2 Best to consider that ArcGIS uses mathematical modelling concepts as fit for purpose. If you get into the details, there are examples of Planar / Euclidean / geodesic calculations in both vector and raster analysis. It boils down to goals, requirements and specific usage of the tools and if you care/prefer one method versus the other.
Here's an example of Euclidean distance for buffering vector data: How Buffer (Analysis) works
OK thanks, I won't worry anymore about why ArcGIS will sometimes refer to it as Planar and other times Euclidean. ...The only reason I was "hung up" on these terms is that I have to "teach" it as a college professor, and I know some students will ask why they're inconsistent with the terminology. My answer will now will have to be "don't worry about it" 😉
Planar means the distance calculation will be done in two dimensions while Euclidean means the distance will be a straight line. The two terms are related but are not synonyms. Euclidean distances can be calculated in two dimensions, three dimensions, or even more dimensions; but the calculation will always be a straight line between points. Planar distances don't have to be Euclidean but are often assumed to be when no qualifier or adjective further describes the distance. For example, Euclidean and Manhattan (or taxi-cab) distances can both be calculated in a plane, which would make them forms of planar distance, but they represent difference distance measures.
ArcGIS Pro handles both vector and raster data, as well as other types, but different fields of study and different industries historically used the two types of data. Just like anything that is studied or used by different groups, it is common for different groups to use different terms for the same or similar objects or ideas because each group interacts with those objects or ideas from different perspectives. For spatial-based analysis, there are lots of non-Euclidean distances that can be measured based on barriers, cost surfaces, networks, etc...., so knowing whether something is straight-line (i.e., Euclidean) is important and saying "planar" would be ambiguous.
Is there perfect consistency and use of "Euclidean" and "planar" across all of Esri's documentation? Probably not, but what is most important is how the term is defined for a given tool relative to the options/parameters that are available. A vast majority of Esri's pages that use "Euclidean" or "planar" also give a brief definition of what that term means for that tool, and that is the definition that matters for that tool.
Ah ha -- very good explanation, Joshua -- thanks!
Thanks for that layman's explanation, and for Ayan's more technical explanation and illustration.
Together, it now all makes sense 🙂