What format is appropriate for exporting map documents with intact vector layers for editing?

The appropriate format for exporting map documents with intact vector layers for editing is AI, which stands for Adobe Illustrator. This format is specifically designed to handle vector graphics, which allow for scaling and manipulation without loss of quality. Since vector layers consist of paths and shapes defined by mathematical equations, exporting to AI retains these vector attributes, enabling detailed editing and design work in vector graphic software.

The other options do not support the same level of vector editability. BMP, PNG, and GIF are raster formats, meaning they are composed of pixels. When exported in these formats, vector layers become flattened images, losing their editability and scalability features. Each pixel is fixed, so any resize or manipulation would lead to a decline in quality, preventing graphics from being edited as distinct, separate elements. Therefore, AI is the clear choice for maintaining and editing vector data.