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Spatial Database in GIS


A spatial database is a type of database that is designed to store and process spatial data efficiently. Spatial data refers to data that represents objects in geometric space, such as locations, shapes, and their relationships. Unlike traditional databases, spatial databases include special functionalities for handling spatial data types like points, lines, and polygons.

2. Geometric Objects

Spatial databases support a variety of geometric objects:

  • Points: Represent a specific location in space (e.g., the latitude and longitude of a city).
  • Lines: Represent linear features (e.g., roads, rivers).
  • Polygons: Represent area-based features (e.g., boundaries of countries, lakes).

Some advanced spatial databases also support:

  • 3D Objects: Represent volumetric data (e.g., buildings, geological structures).
  • Topological Coverages: Maintain the spatial relationships between objects (e.g., adjacency, containment).
  • Linear Networks: Model connected features (e.g., transportation networks).
  • Triangulated Irregular Networks (TINs): Represent surfaces like terrains.

3. Spatial Extensions and Functions

Spatial databases often include spatial extensions, which are add-ons or built-in tools to process spatial data:

  • Spatial Queries: SQL queries that include spatial conditions (e.g., finding points within a specific polygon).
  • Spatial Indexing: Techniques like R-trees and Quad-trees for efficiently retrieving spatial data.
  • Spatial Analysis: Functions for proximity analysis, buffer creation, and spatial joins.

4. Geographic Database (Geodatabase)

A geographic database, or geodatabase, is a specialized spatial database that stores and processes georeferenced data—data associated with specific locations on Earth. It is widely used in GIS applications for tasks such as mapping, spatial modeling, and spatial analytics.

5. Standards for Spatial Databases

Spatial databases adhere to standards for interoperability and functionality:

  • OGC Simple Features Specification: Defines how spatial data should be represented and manipulated in databases. First released in 1997, it provides guidelines for spatial functions like ST_Intersects() and ST_Contains().
  • SQL/MM Spatial: An extension to the SQL standard for handling spatial data, it builds on OGC specifications and integrates spatial capabilities into SQL databases.

Examples of Spatial Databases and Applications

  1. PostGIS: An open-source spatial extension for PostgreSQL that supports OGC-compliant spatial functions. Example:

    • Query: Find all cities within a 50 km radius of a given point: 
      SELECT city_name  FROM cities  WHERE ST_Distance(ST_SetSRID(ST_Point(longitude, latitude), 4326), ST_SetSRID(ST_Point(77.5, 12.9), 4326)) < 50000;

  2. Oracle Spatial: A commercial database extension that supports advanced spatial features like 3D analysis and geocoding.

  3. ESRI Geodatabase: A proprietary geodatabase format used in ArcGIS software, optimized for managing GIS datasets.

  4. Use Case:

    • A city government uses a spatial database to manage its infrastructure. Roads are stored as lines, parks as polygons, and streetlights as points. The database can answer queries like:
      • Which parks are within a 1 km buffer of a residential area?
      • What is the total road length in a specific district?

Key Differences Between Typical and Spatial Databases

AspectTypical DatabaseSpatial Database
Data TypesNumeric, text, datePoints, lines, polygons, 3D objects
IndexingB-trees, hash indexesR-trees, Quad-trees
QueriesStandard SQLSpatial SQL (e.g., ST_Within, ST_Buffer)
ApplicationsFinance, healthcare, e-commerceGIS, urban planning, environmental monitoring


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