What is a Tile Layer primarily used for?

A Tile Layer is primarily used for rapid display of maps because it consists of a collection of prerendered images (tiles) that are created at various zoom levels. These tiles are prepared in advance and allow for efficient loading and viewing of large datasets in a map application. When a user zooms in or out, the Tile Layer can quickly provide the appropriate tiles needed for that specific scale, significantly improving performance and user experience in web mapping applications or GIS software.

This functionality is particularly valuable when dealing with large geographic areas or intricate details, as it minimizes the processing and rendering time that would otherwise be necessary with dynamic layers. Additionally, the use of Tile Layers can help conserve server resources and reduce data transfer requirements, making them a preferred choice for delivering base maps or background imagery to users.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with the primary purpose of Tile Layers. Displaying high-resolution satellite imagery often involves different techniques such as raster layers. Storing data with complex relationships is better suited for features like geodatabases or vector data, while layering vector data over polygons typically involves vector layers in a GIS context.