What were the advantages of zeppelins in world war 1?

Answer 1

Very few, compared with later planes. Although balloons had been previously used, the aircraft gave means to see behind enemy lines. Troop movements could be detected and artillery effctiveness plotted. Soon they were used in the ground attack role with machine guns & bombs.

Answer 2

Great visibility but sometimes the wings came off.

Answer 3

Sound !... Once they''d reached their operating altitude, the engines could be stopped - and the zeppelins were able to simply float along silently.