Which of the following best describes WMS?

WMS, or Web Map Service, is best described as a standard for sharing web maps. This is because WMS is a standard protocol developed by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) that allows requests for georeferenced map images from a variety of web map servers. The service responds to requests in the form of map images, which are dynamically generated based on the geographic data and layers specified in the request.

This standardization allows different software and platforms to access and display map data consistently, promoting interoperability. Users can request specific maps defined by parameters such as geographic bounding boxes, map layers, and image formats, which empowers diverse applications, ranging from simple web maps to complex GIS analyses.

The other options do not accurately reflect the characteristics or purposes of WMS. For instance, while map printing may be a result of using a web service, WMS itself is not focused on printing. A file format for CAD data pertains to a different domain, as CAD files have specific structure and purpose unrelated to web-based mapping services. Additionally, while there may be applications that allow map editing, WMS specifically does not serve as an editing application; instead, it is a service designed primarily for web-based distribution of map imagery.