Topological functions allow the elimination of slivers and the use of fuzzy tolerances. Topology also allows adding raster-like attribute data to a vector data structures. An advantage is that overlap areas are cleaner and redistricting is easier. However, reconstruction of features require complex software, especially small features. Database Management Information versus Data.
Information is the act of making sense or meaning of data.
Data can be just numbers. Internal computer manipulation is not data, a person needs to be involved. Logical versus Physical Data. Logical data is the way the data appears to the user. Physical data is the way it is stored, computer memory, files, and directories.