What is the main benefit of using feature classes over simple data formats in GIS?

Feature classes provide significant advantages in handling complex attributes, making this the correct choice. In GIS, feature classes are specifically designed to store geographic features and allow for a rich set of information associated with each feature. This includes not just basic attribute data, but also advanced capabilities such as geometry, spatial relationships, and topological rules.

For example, a feature class might represent roads and have complex attributes that include data about the road type, lane count, speed limit, traffic patterns, and maintenance history. This allows users to perform more sophisticated analyses and queries, which are vital for tasks such as urban planning or transportation modeling.

In contrast, simple data formats may not facilitate this level of detail and versatility in attribute storage. While they may suffice for basic datasets, they often lack the structured schema and relationships that feature classes offer, limiting the complexity and usability of the data in GIS applications.

Therefore, the ability to store complex attributes is a defining characteristic of feature classes, making them a powerful tool in GIS for analyzing and understanding spatial data comprehensively.