What role do control points play in successful georeferencing?

Control points are essential for aligning and accurately positioning spatial data within a georeferencing process. These points are known locations on both the source image or dataset and the target coordinate system. By using control points, the GIS software can adjust the spatial data to fit the correct geographic context, ensuring that features on the map align with their true positions on the Earth's surface.

This alignment process involves transforming the image or dataset based on the coordinates of the control points. The more accurately the control points are identified and utilized, the higher the accuracy of the georeferencing. Thus, their primary role is to guide this alignment, making sure that the data is properly mapped and ready for analysis.

The other options do not accurately describe the function of control points in this context. They do not deal with aspects like data compression, resolution, or processing time, which relate to different considerations in spatial analysis and data management. The focus on guiding alignment reinforces the critical nature of control points to achieving reliable georeferencing outcomes.