Which of the following formats provides a container for compressed disk image data?

The E01 format, also known as EnCase Image Format, is specifically designed to provide a container for compressed disk image data. It is commonly used in digital forensics due to its support for compression, encryption, and the ability to include metadata and multiple segments. This makes E01 particularly useful for managing large disk images efficiently, as it reduces the file size while keeping essential information intact.

E01 format's structure allows for a more manageable approach in forensic investigations, as examiners can handle smaller files and maintain the chain of custody by preserving all relevant details associated with the image. This is particularly important when dealing with multiple evidence items or large storage media.

In contrast, other formats have different purposes or lack the same level of sophistication in handling compressed disk image data. For instance, RAW format is a straightforward byte-for-byte image of storage media without inherent compression or additional data management features. SMART format is often used in certain forensic tools but does not have the same comprehensive capabilities as E01. TAR format, on the other hand, is a general-purpose archive format and is not specifically tailored for disk image data in the same way that E01 is. Hence, E01 stands out as the correct answer for containing compressed disk image data.