Which term refers to a collection of elements that are connected through edges and junctions?

The term that accurately refers to a collection of elements that are connected through edges and junctions is "Network." In the context of geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial analysis, a network is often composed of various nodes (or junctions) and links (or edges) that represent pathways or connections between different points. This allows for the representation and analysis of transportation systems, utility distribution, and other interconnected systems where the flow of information, goods, or resources is important.

The concept of a network is foundational in GIS because it facilitates the modeling of real-world scenarios where routes, connections, and relationships between different geographic features must be understood. Applications include logistics, urban planning, and transportation analysis, where understanding how elements interact with each other is critical for decision-making.

In contrast, a graph is a more general mathematical concept that represents entities and the connections between them, but it does not specifically imply a spatial component like a network does. A hierarchy refers to a system of organization where elements are ranked or arranged in levels or layers, which does not necessarily involve edges and junctions. A layer, often used in GIS, refers to a specific type of information representation, such as a map feature set, but does not inherently encompass the dynamic connections between elements