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Open Data Management
The geodatabase (short for "geographic database") provides the common data access and management framework for ArcGIS. It defines the types of data that can be used in ArcGIS-features, rasters, addresses, attributes, networks, topologies, survey measurements, and relationships-and controls how they are represented, accessed, stored, managed, and processed.
Geodatabases support
- Topologies for managing shared geometry between features
- Networks for modeling connectivity and flow
- Relationships for connecting geographic objects based on descriptive information
- Domains for managing the integrity of attribute values
- Feature class subtypes for modeling behaviour of subclasses (e.g., highways, local streets)
- Raster mosaics and raster catalogues for managing extensive raster data holdings
- Measurement systems for managing surveys and GPS observations
- Geoprocessing scripts and models that automate analysis and work flow
- Metadata for documenting and discovering geographic data sets
- Common GIS data models and content standards developed and used by industry groups
ArcGIS is a comprehensive information system. It provides a complete information model for representing and working with the five key elements of geographic knowledge: maps and globes; geodata sets, work flow models, data models, and metadata. Collectively, these elements can be managed and persisted in geodatabases.
The geodatabase provides a well-defined information model for working with data. It can be thought of in several different ways-as the core ArcGIS information model; as the application logic that manages the elements, relationships and rules of geographic information; and as a physical DBMS instance that holds a specific collection of geographic data.
The geodatabase as information model facilitates interoperability in a variety of ways.
- Relational database support
Geodatabases can be managed within DBMSs from several vendors-Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, IBM DB2, and Informix-and one or all of these DBMSs can be employed in a mixed, federated environment. These databases can grow to very large sizes, and their maintenance can be distributed across many organizations.
- Simple features
Geodatabases use open DBMS data storage that is based on OGC and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Simple Feature Specifications.
- Comprehensive format support
All external data files and many DBMS files are accessed using common geodatabase logic. Direct use of more than 100 data formats is supported including numerous raster formats, vector formats, CAD files, and Geography Markup Language (GML) data sets.
- XML
Geodatabase XML is an open interchange format for exchanging information between geodatabases and other external systems. ESRI openly publishes and maintains the complete geodatabase schema and content as an XML specification.
- Change-only updates
With data interchange capabilities, users can share data updates as change-only record sets between ArcGIS and any other system.
- Openly shared data models
ArcGIS data models are openly published and freely available for adoption and use by the GIS user community. These are based on standards and enable users to collaborate on content standards. Thousands of organizations have integrated and extended their existing GIS data by migrating it to the geodatabase to enrich both content and behaviour. Many of these organizations are adopting the ArcGIS data models and content standards for building and maintaining GIS databases.
Geodatabase software logic provides the common data access and management framework shared by all ArcGIS products and applications and is included in ArcGIS Desktop, Engine, and Server. It implements data integrity and behaviour. Ubiquitous, reusable GIS logic delivered as a comprehensive set of GIS software components can be deployed on desktops and servers and embedded in IT applications and mobile devices. ArcGIS also provides comprehensive tools for editing, analysis, visualization, mapping, and data management.
By providing powerful GIS logic that is designed to work with simple, scalable data structures that are persisted in personal geodatabases as well as versioned databases, ArcGIS can be deployed in many settings from a single user to large multi-user systems.
Standards-based ArcGIS data models provide a common framework for users to manage and share geographic information for many applications. Each design is based on existing standards and builds on key DBMS and GIS concepts.
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