What distinguishes a false color composite from a true color composite?

A false color composite distinguishes itself from a true color composite primarily through the rearrangement of band placements used in image processing. In a true color composite, the visible light spectrum bands corresponding to red, green, and blue are utilized to create an image that closely resembles what a human observer would see. Conversely, in a false color composite, different bands are selected, often including near-infrared bands, and assigned to the red, green, and blue channels in a way that does not correspond directly to visible light. This allows for the enhancement of specific features in the image, such as vegetation, which may appear in shades of red or other colors rather than the natural appearance seen in true color composites.

The other options provided do not accurately describe the fundamental difference between these two types of composites in remote sensing imagery. The inclusion of a grayscale layer, the exclusive use of ultraviolet bands, and displaying images in black and white are not characteristics that define the distinction between false and true color composites in a meaningful way relevant to their interpretation and use in geographic information systems.