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GIS databases
1 Database
A database is a way to organize and manage data efficiently.
A huge amount of data is available.
For example, with one purchase,
- Your bank’s database is updated
- Store stock database is updated
- Reorder from supplier’s database is sent
2 Data management problems
- Redundancies (unnecessary duplication)
- High maintenance costs
- Data-sharing difficulties
- Updating not standardized
- Lack of security or standards
3 Computerized database
- Different data access methods possible
- Redundancy minimized
- Data stored independently of applications
- Access controlled
- Easy to update
- Query tools available
4 Database management system (DBMS)
A database management system (DBMS) controls storage, retrieval, and modification of data.
- File handling and management
- Adding, updating, and deleting records
- The extraction of information from data
- Maintenance of data security
- Application building
A DBMS allows users to deal with data without having to understand the storage and structure of database.
5 Relational database management system (RDBMS)
Data contained in multiple tables are linked by common data known as “keys” (primary and foreign keys).
Queries are possible.
6 Relationships
One to one (1:1)
One to many (1:N)
Many to many (M:N)
7 Geodatabase
The type of databases we interact with in ArcGIS Pro is based on the relational model.
Personal Geodatabase (*.mdb): Not supported by ArcGIS Pro
File Geodatabase (*.gdb): Supported by ArcGIS Pro
- Can store feature classes
- Can store rasters
ArcSDE
- Enterprise-level geodatabase
- Versioning
- Real-time data sharing
8 Attribute domains
Attribute domains allows users to select an attribute value from a pre-defined list of possible values.
They do not allow users to type arbitrary values.
Diminish the likelihood of data entry errors