How is a spatial query defined?

A spatial query is defined as the process of retrieving features based on spatial relationships. This involves examining the geometric properties of spatial data, such as location, distance, intersection, and proximity, to find and extract relevant features that meet specific spatial criteria.

For example, a spatial query could be used to identify all the parks located within a certain distance from a school or to find all the buildings that intersect with a flood zone. This capability is essential in GIS because it enables users to analyze and visualize spatial relationships in their datasets, leading to insights that can drive decision-making in various applications like urban planning, environmental management, and resource allocation.

Engaging with spatial queries allows for more informed analyses and interpretations that go beyond simple attribute-based searches, making them a fundamental aspect of geographic information systems. The other options describe different data processing techniques or analyses that do not focus specifically on the retrieval of spatial data based on its geographic properties.