Which of the following terms best describes intervals that are determined based on the distribution of the data?

The term that best describes intervals determined based on the distribution of the data is "Natural Breaks." This method, also known as Jenks optimization, is designed to identify distinct groupings or clusters within the data by minimizing variance within each group and maximizing variance between groups. It effectively highlights the inherent patterns in the data, making it particularly useful for visualizations where understanding these patterns is crucial.

This technique is particularly valuable in GIS because it helps in creating classifications that are more representative of the actual distribution of values rather than imposing arbitrary or uniform intervals. The natural breaks take into account the natural grouping of the data, which can reveal significant insights that might otherwise be obscured.

In contrast, custom intervals may be defined arbitrarily by the user without considering data distribution. Standard intervals are typically fixed (like equal increments) and do not adapt to the shape of the data distribution. Equal intervals divide the range of data into equal segments, which can lead to misleading interpretations if the data distribution is skewed or uneven. Thus, Natural Breaks are particularly effective in reflecting the true nature of the underlying data set.