1. The DIP: in QGIS the end-user can work with the geo-data and make calculations.
2. A collection of relevant files (e.g. the GML files, including attributes, additional attribute files and a map). In QGIS the user can work with the geo-data and make calculations.
3. A shape-file with the geo-data shown on a map: the end-user works with the geo-data in their own GIS-system.
4. A picture file with the geo-data shown on a map: no manipulation or calculation is possible.