Extrusion in GIS is often used for which purpose?

Extrusion in GIS refers to the technique of extending the height of two-dimensional features to create three-dimensional representations. This is particularly useful for visualizing geographical features such as buildings, terrain, and monuments, allowing users to better interpret spatial relationships and the physical layout of the environment. By applying extrusion to a feature, such as a polygon that outlines a building, GIS can project that shape upward to convey its height, thereby presenting a more realistic portrayal of the landscape.

This three-dimensional visualization can enhance analytical capabilities, making it easier to understand topographical variations, urban planning implications, or geological formations. In contrast, while creating smooth contour transitions and enhancing clarity of vector points can be important processes in GIS, they do not involve the three-dimensional enhancement that extrusion provides. Similarly, integrating different data formats pertains more to data compatibility and conversion rather than the visual representation achieved through extrusion.