What does a web layer provide compared to a web map?

A web layer serves as a fundamental component of a web map but differentiates itself by offering data handling capabilities without necessitating direct interaction from the user. Essentially, a web layer represents spatial data that can be consumed by various applications without requiring users to manipulate the data directly. It is commonly used for background data that supports various purposes, such as analytics or data visualization, enhancing the overall functionality of a web map.

In contrast, while a web map allows users to visualize these layers and interact with the data—such as zooming in and out or selecting different elements—it does not inherently store or process the data itself. The web layer provides the data, while the web map offers an interface for user interaction with that data. This distinction helps clarify how web layers function independently but collaboratively with web maps in delivering GIS capabilities.

The other options focus on aspects that do not distinctly capture the primary role of a web layer, such as user interactivity, aesthetic qualities, or offline capabilities, which either belong to the broader context of web maps or may not be specific to the function of a web layer itself.