What is needed to improve the accuracy of overlay operations?

Improving the accuracy of overlay operations in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) often involves correcting spatial misalignments and ensuring that features in different layers align correctly. Rubber-sheeting is a technique used to adjust the spatial positions of points in a dataset, often to accommodate distortions caused by inaccuracies in data collection or cartographic errors.

By applying rubber-sheeting, property corners or other significant points in the dataset are accurately repositioned, allowing for the more precise alignment of features across multiple layers during overlay operations. This adjustment minimizes discrepancies that might lead to errors in analysis, such as misrepresentation of boundaries or incorrect intersections, which are crucial for accurate spatial analysis and decision-making.

In contrast, actions like increasing database size, using simpler datasets, or reducing the number of records may not directly enhance the accuracy of spatial relationships in overlay operations. These choices could impact performance or usability but do not inherently address the need for precise spatial alignment that rubber-sheeting provides. Thus, applying rubber-sheeting directly contributes to achieving better accuracy in overlay analyses.