Introduction to Database Systems

data management and especially the management of geodata is not bound to a specific technology. It would be possible to use analogous map archives or file based record systems. However, the term Geoinformation System implies some demands that exceed the storage and retrieval of data. These additional needs can be satisfied sensibly with database systems only.

This lesson is focused on database concepts and architectures. After an introduction and the definition of some of the most important terms in the unit Definition of Terms we will devote ourseleves to the specific characteristics of the database approach (unit Characteristics of the Database Approach). The closer examination of various applications of databases in the unit Example Applications will allow you to become acquainted with the use of databases in different fields and contexts and to extend the knowledge about the characteristics of databases. A comparison of the database approach with file based solutions is made in the unit Advantages and Disadvantages.