What is a key difference between shapefiles and geodatabases (GDB)?

The distinction highlighted by the correct response revolves around the capabilities of geodatabases (GDB) compared to shapefiles. Geodatabases are designed to manage complex spatial data and support a variety of advanced types that shapefiles cannot accommodate. For instance, GDB can store multi-dimensional raster data, topologies, networks, and complex feature types. Additionally, GDB allows for relationships between different datasets, such as geometric networks or relationship classes, enabling more robust data management and analysis within a single dataset framework.

Shapefiles, on the other hand, are limited in functionality — they can only store simple feature types (like points, lines, and polygons) without the ability to maintain relationships between them, and they cannot support advanced data models. This limitation makes GDB the preferred choice for sophisticated geospatial projects, where maintaining spatial relationships and leveraging advanced data types is essential for effective analysis and manipulation of spatial data.

Other options mention aspects that either misrepresent the capabilities of shapefiles or fail to capture the full range of functionalities that GDB provides. For example, while shapefiles can handle moderate-sized datasets, they do not manage larger datasets as efficiently as GDBs, which are specifically optimized for handling large volumes of data within