What does the term “symbology” refer to in GIS?

The term "symbology" in GIS refers specifically to the visual representation of geographic data on a map. This encompasses how various features such as points, lines, and polygons are depicted through symbols, colors, and patterns. Symbology plays a crucial role in cartography and helps users interpret the map effectively by highlighting key aspects of the data, such as land use, population density, or transportation networks. By using appropriate symbols and color schemes, symbology enhances the readability of a map and communicates information clearly, allowing users to analyze spatial relationships at a glance.

The other options touch on important concepts within GIS but do not accurately represent what symbology entails. For example, numerical analysis involves the statistical examination of data and does not involve visual representation. Similarly, creating complex algorithms pertains more to data processing and analysis rather than to how that data is visually conveyed, and organizing data into categories is related to data management rather than its graphic presentation.