What best describes a spatial database?

A spatial database is best described as a collection of spatially referenced data that acts as a model of the real world. This definition captures the primary function of a spatial database, which is to store and manage data that includes information about the physical location and shape of objects in the real world.

Spatial databases are designed to handle spatial data types and support spatial queries, allowing users to interact with data in a way that reflects its geographic properties. This capability is crucial for applications in fields such as geospatial analysis, urban planning, and environmental management, where understanding the spatial relationships between different entities is essential.

In contrast, a system that only holds spatially irrelevant data does not align with the concept of a spatial database since it implies the absence of any spatial reference. Additionally, describing a spatial database as a form of unstructured database that lacks geographic features misrepresents its purpose, as spatial databases are inherently structured to handle geographic information. A computer program that creates maps may utilize a spatial database, but it doesn't capture the essence or definition of what a spatial database is. Thus, the correct answer effectively encompasses the main attributes and purposes of a spatial database in geospatial intelligence.