Geodatabase

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The geodatabase continues to be the common data storage and management framework for ArcGIS. At ArcGIS 9.3, the geodatabase offers improved spatial data management and enhanced capabilities for integration with enterprise systems.

ArcGIS 9.3 geodatabase enhancements include:

Raster data management

  • New geoprocessing tools make the transfer of unmanaged raster catalogs (in Microsoft Access personal geodatabases and file geodatabases) from one location to another much easier.

Geodatabase replication

  • Microsoft Access personal geodatabases and file geodatabases can participate in one-way replication as child geodatabases.
  • ArcGIS 9.3 allows for more detailed logging of geodatabase replication activity.

Direct Connect backward compatibility

  • ArcGIS 9.3 clients can make direct connections to pre-9.3 enterprise geodatabases (e.g., 9.2, 9.1, and 9.0).
  • Backward compatibility allows easier implementation of phased migration strategies for new ArcGIS releases.

Versioned editing

  • The Merge Geometries option enhances conflict and reconcile management.
  • The Version Changes Viewer tool allows a version to be compared with an ancestor version without performing a reconcile operation.

Support for PostgreSQL (Open Source DBMS)

  • Enterprise geodatabases can be implemented on PostgreSQL with full support of the geodatabase data model.
  • Vector geometry is stored in the ESRI spatial type.
  • PostGIS Open Source spatial type is supported.

Support for SQL Server 2008

  • ArcGIS 9.3 will support the two new spatial types in Microsoft SQL Server 2008. A geodatabase implemented on SQL Server 2008 will be able to store vector geometry in either spatial type (Geography or Geometry).

New 64-bit platform support

  • Enterprise ArcSDE technology will be available as a native 64-bit application for Windows and Linux at 9.3 SP1.

Raster data management

  • New "clip to graphics" option makes it easy to clip rasters to any shape when exporting them from ArcMap.