What contributes to the static nature of paper maps?

The static nature of paper maps is primarily due to their fixed extent. Paper maps present a specific geographical area at a designated scale, capturing a snapshot of the terrain, features, and landmarks at a particular moment in time. Once a paper map is printed, any changes in the landscape, such as new developments, road constructions, or natural changes, are not reflected until a new version of the map is produced and printed. This means that the information contained in paper maps does not evolve or update in real-time, unlike digital maps that can be continuously updated with new data.

In contrast, the other options either imply features associated with digital mapping or do not inherently contribute to the static nature of paper maps. For instance, dynamic updates and interactive elements are characteristics of digital formats that allow users to obtain real-time information and interact with the map. The concept of digital formats itself highlights the technological advancement that offers flexibility and adaptability, which paper maps lack due to their physical and unchanging nature. Thus, the fixed extent of paper maps is key to understanding their limitation in providing current geographical information.