Learning ArcGIS Geodatabases

Esri, the mapping company, often sponsors hackathons, at least i

Esri, the mapping company, often sponsors hackathons, at least in Los Angeles, but I am sure elsewhere too. They confer prizes on those hackers who can use their ArcGIS database. As you can see in this book, it differs from a general purpose SQL database, or a noSQL database, for that matter. The focus on location is Esri's raison d'etre. One incentive for reading the text is to get up to speed on ArcGIS, prior to a hackathon. A competitive advantage when you often only have 2.5 days of coding.

Naturally, the book can be used by someone who has a more general need for indulging in Esri's data. Think perhaps if you have a mobile application where you want to show a mapping on the phone screen.

The book is somewhat on the light side. Geared primarily to newcomers. It starts with showing how to populate an instance of ArcGIS with your own data. We see how to integrate existing CAD databases. Or to use Esri's native format for shape files, where the shape refers to what is now known sometimes as a geocoded area. How to succinctly define the perimeter of an area. Clearly a fundamental operation in any geodatabase.

The discussion is not entirely on Esri. One chapter delves into using Microsoft SQL Server to run a geodatabase. While mentioning en passant that Oracle also offers a similar functionality.

Later chapters take you into issues of optimising your geodatabase [what a mouthful!]. Worth paying attention to when performance by your users will be critical to market acceptance. However, the book eschews any complex coding. Which does make it an easy and quick read.

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