What is the best choice for exporting data from a polygon layer to a new file format while retaining the attribute data?

Exporting directly to Shapefile is the best choice for transferring data from a polygon layer to a new file format while ensuring that the attribute data is preserved. Shapefiles are widely used in GIS applications and are compatible with many different software programs, which makes them a popular choice for exporting geographical data.

When you export a polygon layer to a Shapefile format, the geometry of the polygons and their associated attribute data are both stored in a structured manner. The resulting Shapefile consists of multiple files that collectively maintain the spatial and attribute information, allowing it to be used effectively for further analysis or mapping tasks.

In contrast, exporting via Layer File primarily creates a reference to your existing layer rather than converting the data into a new format. This reference does not facilitate the direct transfer of data, so it wouldn't be the best choice for retaining the attribute data in a standalone format.

Exporting to KML format, while useful for visualization in applications like Google Earth, does not retain all attributes as seamlessly as the Shapefile format. KML is more tailored for web-based applications and may not support the full range of attribute data present in your polygon layer.

Using the Data Interoperability Tool is a powerful option for converting between various formats and