Which of the following are reasons to export metadata?

Exporting metadata is essential in the context of geographic information systems (GIS) for several reasons. The selection regarding the use of metadata in several related feature classes aligns well with the practice of maintaining consistent and interoperable data across different datasets. When metadata is exported, it can be reused or adapted for multiple feature classes that share similar attributes or purposes, ensuring that data users understand context, lineage, and usage constraints across related datasets. This not only promotes data integrity but also enhances user comprehension of how to properly utilize the datasets in various applications or analyses.

The other choices, while they may have merits in certain contexts, focus on more specific scenarios that do not broadly justify the necessity to export metadata. For instance, upgrading metadata from previous versions or changing metadata style primarily address updates or formatting issues rather than the fundamental utility of sharing and utilizing metadata. Similarly, using metadata in data warehouse catalogs is a specialized application that, while valid, does not encompass the broader rationale of facilitating consistent data use across multiple related feature classes.