Spatial data structures Flashcards
lecture 7
What are the 2 vector models structures?
- Georelational Model
- Object Based Data Model
What is Georelational Data Model?
Geometry and attributes are stored separately.
Georelational datamodel uses feature identification number to link feature geometry to ite attributes.
The 2 components must share the same ID (syncronised) so that they can ben queried, analysed and displayed in unison.
What is the GDM shapefile?
It is an example if the georelational model.
What are attributes saved as in feature layers?
database .dbf
What is the shapefile?
.shp links all other feature layers to be displayed together.
doesn’t come with topology.
What are the advantages of the GDM shapefile?
- Display faster
- Non-proprietary & interoperable (i.e., can be used across
different software packages)
What are the disadvantages of GDM shapefile?
- Shapes can overlay (not associated with topology)
- Boundaries must be stored twice
- Minimal error checking
- Data quality issues
What is GDM coverage?
Stores vector data - contains both spatial and attribute data (feature classes) for geographic features.
Have topology - determines relationships between features.
Made up of multiple physical files in a folder.
Coverage is proprietary.
What is the Object Orientated Data Model? (OODM)
Stores geometry and attributes in one system.
Geospatial data is treated as objects.
Object = road, symbol, school, co-ordinate system etc.
Property - attributes of features in a layer.
Method - an action that can be performed on a layer
Feature Class - stores spatial features of the same geometry = feature layer.
Feature dataset - stores features that share extent and co-ordinate system - projections are set at this level not at the class level.
How does the OODM differ from the GDM?
- Feature and attributes stored in 1 system.
- Allows spatial features to be associated with a set of properties and methods.
What is a personal geodatabase (OODM)?
- Stores data as tables in a Microsoft access database
with .mdb extension. - Has file limit of 2GB and can only be used in windows
What is a file geodatabase (OODM)\?
- Stores data in many small sized files in a folder with .gdb
extension. - The file geodatabase has no file size limit and can work
across multiple Operating Systems (Microsoft & Linux)
What is topology in the geodatabase?
- Defines topology as relationship rules and lets the user choose the rules,
if any, to be implemented in a vector layer - Topological rules which apply within feature classes is functionally
similar to coverage topology - Rules applied to two or more feature classes are unique to
Geodatabase.
examples:
* Country boundaries must not overlap.
* Country boundaries must not have gaps.
* Contour lines in a vector line layer must not intersect (cross each
other).
What are the advantages of the geodatabase?
❖ Central Storage of files/data
❖ Hierarchical structure is useful for organisation and management
❖When created, new data in a project will be created with already
defined parameters
❖Offers on the fly Topology to features within feature class which
improves data quality
What is the raster model structure?
How raster data is represented.
Refers to the method or format for storing raster data in a computer.