Database Management Structures
GMR Institute of Technology
Dr. N. Nageswara Reddy
GMR Institute of Technology
GMR Institute of Technology
GMR Institute of Technology
• In Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Database Management Systems (DBMS) play a crucial
role in managing, storing, and querying large amounts of spatial data.
Role of DBMS in GIS
Data Storage: GIS involves the use of spatial and non-spatial data. DBMS provides a structured
environment for storing this data in a way that is efficient and easily accessible. Spatial data (such as
coordinates, maps, and geographical features) is stored alongside attribute data (such as names,
categories, or measurements) in a relational or non-relational database.
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Data Management: A DBMS allows for the organization and management of large datasets. This
includes ensuring data integrity, supporting concurrent access by multiple users, and providing tools
for data backup and recovery.
Data Querying: One of the most significant contributions of DBMS to GIS is the ability to perform
complex queries. Users can query spatial data using SQL (Structured Query Language) to extract
meaningful information. For example, a query might involve finding all the buildings within a certain
distance from a river or identifying regions that meet specific criteria.
Types of DBMS Used in GIS
Relational DBMS (RDBMS): Traditional RDBMS like PostgreSQL (with PostGIS extension), Oracle
Spatial, and Microsoft SQL Server are commonly used in GIS to store and manage both spatial and
non-spatial data. These systems use tables to store data and are well-suited for managing large
datasets with complex relationships.
Object-Relational DBMS (ORDBMS): These systems extend the capabilities of RDBMS by
supporting complex data types, including spatial data. Examples include Oracle Spatial and IBM
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Db2, which allow for the storage of spatial data directly within the database structure.
NoSQL DBMS: With the growing need for handling unstructured and semi-structured data, NoSQL
databases like MongoDB have gained popularity in GIS applications, especially for managing large
volumes of spatial data that do not fit neatly into the traditional table structures of RDBMS.
