What is a primary benefit of using GIS web services?

Using GIS web services provides a significant benefit in that it facilitates easy access and sharing of geospatial information. This functionality allows users to interact with geographic data over the internet, enabling them to access maps, layers, and other geospatial resources without needing to maintain local copies of that data. This not only streamlines the process of data dissemination but also allows for real-time updates and collaboration among users across different locations, enhancing the efficiency of project workflows.

In contrast, the other options touch on aspects that are either not primary benefits or introduce limitations rather than enhancements. For instance, GIS web services do not inherently offer local data storage; in fact, they usually rely on data being stored on remote servers. Additionally, while GIS can provide maps as part of its service, it does not eliminate the need for them, as maps serve as essential visual representations for understanding spatial data. Finally, while data sharing can be restricted to authorized users through various security measures in a web service framework, the primary emphasis of GIS web services is on accessibility and collaboration rather than restriction of access.