What is the primary purpose of using operational layers in web maps?

The primary purpose of using operational layers in web maps is to display feature information and visuals. Operational layers are key components that contain the geographic features or data relevant to the map’s analysis or presentation. They are the active, dynamic parts of the map where users can interact with and visualize data, such as points, lines, and polygons representing different features like roads, buildings, and natural resources. These layers allow users to understand spatial relationships and patterns by providing essential visuals that make the data understandable and actionable.

In contrast, while providing background information may be a function of base layers or reference layers, it is not the primary role of operational layers. Editing capabilities are a separate functionality that may or may not be linked to operational layers but are not inherent to their main purpose. Similarly, controlling data access settings relates to permission and security management rather than the representation and visualization of information. Thus, the selection illustrates the essential nature of operational layers in delivering critical information in an accessible format for users to analyze and act upon.