2013

Geodatabase

1/21/2013

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Contents
Part One: ....................................................................................................................................................... 2 Question One ............................................................................................................................................ 2 Question Two ............................................................................................................................................ 2 Part Two: ....................................................................................................................................................... 3 Question One: ........................................................................................................................................... 3 Question Two: ........................................................................................................................................... 4 Part Three ..................................................................................................................................................... 5 Question One A: ........................................................................................................................................ 5 Question One B: ........................................................................................................................................ 5 Question Two ............................................................................................................................................ 5 Question Four A ........................................................................................................................................ 6 Question Four B ........................................................................................................................................ 7 Part Four: ...................................................................................................................................................... 7

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Part One:
Question One
There are three types of geodatabase (geodatabase) that have been developed, one being the multi-user database that uses ArcSDE. This type of database was designed to support many different users working on the same geo-database at the same time. Each user has the ability to use a shared multiuser geodatabase. Access permission can be implemented to avoid users entering data that could compromise the integrity of the database. This type of geo-database is perfect for large enterprises to improve efficiency between users. The advantage of using a multiuser or ArcSDE database is that it is supported across a wide range of database management systems (DBMS). It utilizes a collection of GIS datasets, held as tables in a relational database supported for GIS data management system. The performance capabilities of this geodatabase makes it efficient at moving large tables of binary objectives required for GIS, over a multiuser environment which is only limited in size to the size specified in the DBMS being operated. Personal and file geodatabase (geodatabase). These particular geodatabase incorporates the ability to manage a share multiuser geodatabase between a number of users, departments and enterprise settings. The newer geodatabase have been designed to be edited by a single user and do not support geodatabase versioning. The next generation of geodatabase was the personal geodatabase followed by the file geodatabase . These geodatabase(s) have provided their unique benefits for users of the Arc platform. The personal geodatabase uses the Microsoft Access data structure to manage Microsoft Access (.mdb) file. A disadvantage of this geodatabase is only compatible on the Windows platform. The discouraging factor of this is that that a personal geodatabase is limited to 2 GB or less, but users show aim to be less than 500 MB for maxim performance. The file geodatabase was introduced for ArcGIS 9.2. The file Geo-database is a collection of binary files in a file system which allows for a much greater size capacity of 256 terabytes. Users can work across multiple platforms, making it idea when working in small groups. One or more users can edit the same file at real time, providing that they are editing different feature datasets, feature classes or tables. It provides an effective use of handling large datasets through its data structure for optimal performance and management. Users are able to compress vector data to a read only format, reducing storage requirements. Source(s): http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/geodatabase http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/main/10.1/index.html#//003n00000007000000

Question Two
Feature class A feature class is the creation of classes that create a single homogenous classes for data storage of a collection of feature classes that hold the same geographic features with the same geometry type (point, line, or polygon), and/or the same spatial reference dependent on the feature(s) attribute..A feature class could be example be trees feature class that comprise of point features of deciduous and coniferous tree features.

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Feature dataset A feature class is a collection of common spatial features. These features have the same spatial representation such as point, line, polygon or annotation. These features contain a set of attributes attached to each feature. Organizational capacity places common themed dataset together into single features, for building a network dataset, terrain dataset, or a geometric network. For example, all hydrological features (point, line and polygons) can be placed in a single feature dataset. Within a feature dataset the user has the ability to implement security privileges where they see fit, which means that all data within the single dataset has the same access privileges. In some instances the user will need to work on a project with multiple users, which a feature dataset makes possible with datasets arranged in a cascading folder setting to organize collections of simple feature classes for sharing with others. Topology Topology is the arrangement of point, line, and polygon features that share a specific geometry. Topology is used for modeling spatial relationships between features that provides a set of rules and behaviors that model how features within ESRI environment function. Topology manages the data integrity and relationships of queries. Using topology, the user can perform integrity checks on data, validating and maintain feature. Tables Tables help to store and manage the attributes and properties of features in the geodatabase. These tables contain attribute data unique to that feature in a table format. Fields and rows store the data for easy access in the ArcGIS user interface. The attributes within the geodatabase use numeric, text, date, binary large objects; to store and manage the content. An example would be a constructed table that provides detailed information pertaining to parcel information. Each row corresponds to an individual parcel, with some of the columns providing information about the Parcel ID, Area, and Area ID. All of the information is stored as appropriate data types. Source(s): http://proceedings.esri.com/library/userconf/feduc11/papers/tech/feduc2011_geodatabaseessentials1_intro.pdf

Part Two:
Question One:
If the GIS consulting company is determined to transfer their large collection of data to a geodatabase, as an advisor I can recommend the geodatabase the company should use a multi-user. The company does not have to be restricted to size limits which this geodatabase will not do though the use of the database management. The multiuser will not limit the company to a specific size which file and personal geodatabase place on to the users. The multiuser geodatabase ability to operate over multiple platforms (Windows, Linux) does not restrict the user at any level, in addition to accessing local network 3

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which provides options for the user to access more platforms. The geodatabase name is multi-user which alone indicates why it should be selected, but also for the reason that file and personal geodatabase are single or small group oriented geodatabase and could not provide an environment for many readers and writers to work on datasets, which the company has specified it requires. Source(s): http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/geodatabase

Question Two:
For this specific project the most appropriate selection for the geodatabase would be the multi-users geodatabase enterprise, which allows for multiple users to work with the same dataset in addition to its compatibility on multiple platforms. It was selected due to the fact that many engineers can access and edit the data without compromising the data. This particular project requires the management of data of various sizes, formats and specifications such as CAD drawings; space will be required for storage and management. With the multiusers dbms the user can specify the fixed data size(s). A file and personal geodatabase would not be appropriate for this project as these geodatabase have a fixed size capacity. Another specification noted by the company is that they require a geodatabase that can be worked on by multiple users at the same time. The file and personal geodatabase only allow for single or small group oriented multi use. The benefit of the multi user geodatabase is that the number of editors and readers working with this are unlimited, which is why security needs to be addressed in this geodatabase. A multiuser geodatabase implemented on a RDBMS platform provides the company with the appropriate security measures. The use of access permission controls for the individual datasets used, in addition to data integrity of the project will being RDBMS provides the measures to ensure data backup, recovery through the use of ArcSDE within the Arc suite. This is a public project, where the tax payers will be paying for the majority of it, so taking this into account a cheap alternative to a relational database management system would be the NoSQL. A additional concern of the project pertains to the security measures which will be that Senior engineers would hold access permission to uphold the data integrity. In order to enhance the security and recovery measures of this project from what is already undertaken within the geodatabase, a mirroring system will be used between two servers to ensure that no data is lost and all means are taken to improve security measures. Placing the project onto two servers, ensures continuous project backups and no data lose. This guarantees that if one server disconnects or malfunctions that the project is will be saved on a second alternative server. Source(s): http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisserver/9.3/java/index.htm#geodatabases/types_of_geodatabases.htm 4

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Part Three
Question One A:
The data that could be added to the same feature dataset would be none of these features. Neither of the feature classes have similar coordinate systems with one another. If two of the three features had the same coordinate system, then I would advise that those feature classes be grouped together since they have the same coordinate system, but this is not the case. The use of a feature dataset is to group multiple feature classes that have the same spatial reference into a dataset together. This however cannot be accomplished with the shape files that have been given since they all have different geographic coordinate systems.

Question One B:
The three layers which have been provided to the user have all of their geographic coordinate systems in different projections. Line Layer Geographical coordinate reference: GCS_NZGD_2000 Projected at : NZGD_2000_UTM_Zone _60S Subdivision Parcel Geographic coordinate reference: GCS_Beijing_1954 Projected at: Beijing_1954_GK_Zone_23N Valve Layer Geographical coordinate reference: GCS_North_American_1983 Projection at NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_11N Neither of layers has been projected with the same coordinate system, in result when these layers are placed within ArcMap the spatial reference of the .mxd is distorted and presents a distorted spatial illustration of these layers. In order to construct a proper mxd file these layers need to be re-projected into an appropriate coordinate system. For this to be accomplished the layers need to be re-projected into a common projection coordinate system. For this to be done the Line and Subdivision Parcel layers need to be projected to NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_11N, which will put all of the layers into this projection system. By way of the projection tool in ArcGIS, select the layers which are to be re-projected and then select the correct coordinate system that will be used. Arc will then assess the command which you have made and then will project the layers into the new assigned NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_11N projection.

Question Two
In this particular instance, the Florida icon represents a Mosaic Dataset attribute. This enables the user to store, manage, view, and query small collections of images and raster to be stored as a catalog with the

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option to associated with metadata. It allows for dynamic mosaicking and on-the-fly image processing. It is accessible as a raster dataset or as a catalog of footprints for the data and metadata. Source(s): http://help.arcgis.com/en/arcgisdesktop/10.0/help/index.html#/What_is_a_mosaic_dataset/009t00000037 000000/

Question Three
To determine if the data used is valid or not, the user had to perform the following procedures. 1. 2. 3. 4. Open the attribute table of the Property_Type feature. Select all or highlight the entire attribute table. Go to the editor tool bar and select validate. A dialogue box appears that indicates the results of the validation process.

The results of this validation process have indicated that there were 10 inconsistent validations within the attribute table. 5. There were 10 validations that were inconsistent with the rest of the files within this dataset. The result produces a dialogue window which indicates the incorrect validation and the number of inconsistencies.

Question Four A
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Open the properties dialogue box for Part3Question4.geodatabase. Select the domain tab in the dialogue box. Under the Domain field type the new domain Class, in the first empty cell. Press tab to select the description. a. Type if the status of the class. Next specify the properties for the attribute domain. Under Domain Properties select the cell next to field type. a. Select text. Now under the coded values enter the codes and descriptions for the Class domain. a. OP- Open b. CL- Closed c. CON- Construction Select the Properties dialogue window for the schools feature. Navigate to the subtypes tab. Tab select a default subtype. In the table under the function listed above will allow the user to input new subtypes and their descriptions.

8. 9. 10. 11.

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Question Four B
For the purposes of this assignment and to follow the theme of schools I applied three different subtypes to the EMP field type. As follows are the subtypes and their corresponding codes: Open with a code of OP means the school has an open status, Closed has a code of CL and means that schools is closed, and Construction means has a code of CON that means the school is under construction. These subtypes can be applied the feature.

Part Four:
I. What type of geo-database is CityWater? CityWater is a File Geo-database. What is the grid coordinate system for the Fittings feature class? The fittings feature class is in Universal Transverse Mercator coordinate system. NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_11 What is the grid coordinate system and UTM zone for MainLines? The mainlines feature class is in Universal Transverse Mercator coordinate system. NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_11 What data type is stored in the Shape field? The data type stored in the shape field is geometry. What geometry type are the features in the Wells feature class? The wells feature class is point geometry feature. Open the Item Description for the Homes feature class and preview its table. Examine the fields that have Shape in their name. Based on what you have learned so far, what do you think the Shape_Length field contains for the Homes feature class? Shape length for the homes feature class is stored as a double data type. Examine the fields that have Shape in their name. Compare what you see in this polygon feature class with what you saw in the point and line feature classes. What types of feature classes contain both Shape and Shape_Length fields? Both area and line feature classes will contain both shape and shape length. The default data type is Text. What data type is appropriate for your RoadName field? Text data type is appropriate. What additional field did the software automatically create for your new line feature class? What values do you think will be stored in this field? Shape Length is automatically added with a data type of Double. This will state the objects total length.

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Assignment Outline:

Questions:

Part 1 - 20 marks
1. Identify and define the 3 (three) types of geodatabases. Include file formats, advantages and disadvantages and limitations. 2. Identify and define 4 (four) components of a geodatase. Include definitions such as what type of data they can contain, when you would use that particular component, any rules etc.

Part 2 - 20 marks
1. Youre working for a GIS consulting company who would like to migrate a large collection of data to a geodatabase. The data includes a few hundred shape files, several tables (excel format), a few dozen raster images and some CAD drawings. The data is fairly static and is only edited periodically by one or two employees. In total the data is approximately 20 (twenty) gigabytes (GB) in size. What type of geodatabase would you suggest and why? 2. Your company is setting up a new geodatabse that contains data for a municipal water system. The data includes; shape files, tables, text, coverages, and CAD drawings. Several engineers will need to access and edit the data frequently. Because the scope of the project is quite large, security and data integrity are crucial. However, given that this is project is in the public sector, cost is also a concern. Given these requirements which type of geodatabase and RDMS (relational database management system) would you choose and why. Also, what else could you do to provide fault tolerance?

Part 3 - 40 marks
1. Youre evaluating data to import into a geodatabase for a new subdivisions water mains. Examine the shape files Lines, Valves and SubdivisionParcels found in X:\GIS Resources\GIS Second Semester\GISC9311 - GeoDatabase\Assignments\Assignment 1\Data\Part3Question1 A.) Which of these can be added to the same feature dataset? B.) Is there an issue with the layers? If so what is it and what would you do to correct the issue? 2. Examine the image below; what type of attribute does the icon represent? When and why would you use such an attribute?

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3. Copy the geodatabase Part3Question3 found in X:\GIS Resources\GIS - Second Semester\GISC9311 - GeoDatabase\Assignments\Assignment 1\Data to your local computer. a. Create a domain and apply it to the Property_Type field. The domain should have the following codes: Residential, Commercial and Mixed. Validate the rows in the Part3Question3 geodatabase, what are the results? 4. Copy the geodatabase Part3Question4 found in X:\GIS Resources\GIS - Second Semester\GISC9311 - GeoDatabase\Assignments\Assignment 1\Data to your local computer. a. Using ArcCatalogue/ArcMap outline step by step how to add a domain and subtype to the schools feature class. b. You must also create at least 3 (three) subtypes for the schools feature class (the types of subtypes and their values are up to you). Include those subtypes here.

Part 4 9 marks
In exercise 1 there were 9 questions asked throughout the document. Provide answers to those questions.