What does the intersect operation produce in GIS?

The intersect operation in GIS produces new features that result from the overlapping input areas of two or more datasets. This operation generates a geometric intersection, meaning it retains only the areas where the input features overlap. The output will consist of the geometries that are found in both datasets, combining their attributes and creating new features that represent this common area. Thus, users can analyze relationships between different spatial entities or filter out regions of interest that meet specific criteria.

This operation is essential in various analyses, such as environmental studies, urban planning, and resource management, where understanding the common ground between different thematic layers is crucial. The other options describe different spatial operations that do not pertain to the specific function of an intersect operation.