Which of the following is a common use for XML data in GIS?

XML (eXtensible Markup Language) is widely used in GIS for metadata management due to its ability to structure data in a human-readable format that can easily be shared and understood by different systems. In the context of GIS, metadata refers to information that describes other data, such as data origin, quality, and accessibility. By using XML, organizations can standardize their metadata, ensuring consistency and interoperability across various GIS applications and platforms. This is particularly important in GIS where diverse datasets may need to be integrated and analyzed together, as well as shared among various stakeholders. The structured nature of XML supports detailed descriptions and hierarchies of geospatial information, facilitating better data discovery and usability.

The other options do not align closely with the specific capabilities and common applications of XML in GIS. While data compression is an essential aspect of data management, it is not intrinsically linked to XML's design, which is more about data representation. Graphic design is generally unrelated to the function of XML. Web hosting is more about the deployment of applications and data rather than the specific role of XML in managing and structuring spatial information.