What is the primary function of tiles in a Tile Layer?

The primary function of tiles in a Tile Layer is to display pre-drawn images and require no queries. This concept is fundamental in web mapping and GIS, where tile layers are used to efficiently present large amounts of spatial data. Each tile represents a fixed-size chunk of the overall map, pre-rendered as an image at various zoom levels. This rendering process occurs beforehand, allowing for rapid display in a web environment because the images are already created and stored, rather than being rendered dynamically from raw data through queries.

This approach significantly speeds up the loading times of maps and enhances user experience, as users can seamlessly pan and zoom without waiting for data processing. In contrast, options related to editing, interactivity, or real-time updates do not accurately represent the static nature of tile layers, which showcase pre-rendered content rather than dynamically generated or editable data. The efficiency and simplicity of using tiles for map rendering make them an essential component in many mapping applications.