To which file format will metadata typically be exported?

The choice of XML as a file format for exporting metadata is appropriate due to XML's versatile and structured nature. XML, or Extensible Markup Language, provides a standard way to encode information in a format that is both human-readable and machine-readable. This makes it particularly well-suited for representing metadata, which is often hierarchical in nature and needs to be easily shared among various systems and platforms.

XML's capability to include rich, descriptive information in a structured way allows for capturing diverse elements of metadata, such as data origin, attribution, spatial reference, and other essential descriptions of datasets. This feature enhances interoperability, enabling metadata to be exchanged and understood across different GIS applications and software.

Additionally, XML supports various metadata standards, such as the ISO 19115 standard for geographic information, which increases its usability in different contexts and industries. This flexibility and compatibility with existing standards solidify XML's role as a preferred format for exporting metadata in GIS applications. The other choices, while relevant to specific cases or frameworks, do not offer the same broad compatibility and usability as XML for exporting comprehensive metadata.