What does a feature template primarily define?

A feature template primarily defines default edit settings that are used when creating new features in a map. This includes defining parameters such as the attribute values that will automatically populate when a new feature is created, the associated rules for geometry, and the behavior of the feature when it is edited.

This functionality allows users to streamline the editing process and maintain consistency in how new features are created. For instance, if a specific type of point feature is regularly added to a map with certain attributes, a feature template can automatically apply these attributes every time a new feature of that type is generated. This not only saves time but also reduces errors and ensures that the data adheres to predefined standards.

Other choices involve aspects of GIS that do not directly relate to the specific function of feature templates. Map layout design relates to the visual presentation of maps, while data types and sources refer to the classification of the data used in a GIS, and user access levels pertain to permissions within the software environment. Each of these elements plays an important role in GIS, but they are distinct from the primary function of feature templates in defining how new features are created and managed.