Which term refers to the inclusion of metadata for map features?

The inclusion of metadata for map features is aptly described by the term hierarchical organization. This concept refers to the structured arrangement of information, where metadata—data that provides information about other data—is systematically categorized and organized in layers or levels. In the context of GIS, hierarchical organization helps in managing the complexity of spatial data, allowing users to navigate through different levels of information, from broad categories to more specific details related to map features.

For instance, in a GIS dataset, you may have higher-level categories like "land use," which could further be broken down into subcategories such as "residential," "commercial," and "agricultural." Each of these categories can contain specific metadata, such as sources of data, data quality, and spatial reference information. This organization not only aids in data management but also ensures that users can efficiently access relevant metadata when analyzing or interpreting the map features.

The other terms do not accurately represent the concept of including metadata. Balance typically refers to the visual weight and arrangement of elements within a map for aesthetic purposes. Surface interpretation addresses how various physical or abstract surfaces are understood or represented in spatial data but does not involve metadata organization. Visual contrast pertains to the differentiation of map elements through color, texture, or shape to assist