What do we call the agreed-upon guidelines and specifications for the collection and use of spatial data?

The correct answer highlights the importance of established guidelines and specifications in the realm of spatial data management. Spatial Data Standards refer to the formalized agreements that dictate how spatial data should be collected, represented, processed, and shared. These standards ensure interoperability and quality across different systems and platforms, allowing users to work with various datasets effectively.

They encompass various elements such as formats, definitions, metadata requirements, and quality assurances, enabling consistent understanding and use of spatial data among different stakeholders, including governmental agencies, private sector firms, and academic institutions.

In contrast, while the other options address aspects related to spatial data, they do not encapsulate the full breadth of what is meant by agreed-upon guidelines and specifications. Regulations often refer to legal requirements, protocols tend to be specific procedures or methods for carrying out specific tasks, and policies often indicate broader organizational directives that may not necessarily provide strict guidelines for data collection and usage. Thus, Spatial Data Standards stand out as the most accurate term for these agreed-upon practices in the geospatial field.