What term describes a topological dataset that includes points, lines, and polygons, which has been largely replaced by feature classes?

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The term that describes a topological dataset encompassing points, lines, and polygons is "Coverage." Coverages are an older data structure used in geographic information systems (GIS) that maintain topological relationships between features. They store the spatial relationships and are capable of representing complex geometries.

Coverages have largely been replaced by feature classes in modern GIS applications due to the increased efficiency and ease of use that feature classes provide. Feature classes simplify the handling of spatial data and support a wider range of data management and analysis capabilities.

In contrast, a shapefile is a popular data format for storing vector data, but it does not inherently maintain topology. Raster refers to data that represents images or continuous data with grid cells, and a layer is a GIS term referring to how data is displayed and managed within a GIS environment, not a specific type of dataset.

Therefore, "Coverage" is the correct term as it specifically refers to an older topological dataset structure that has been notably supplanted by feature classes in contemporary GIS practices.

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