Spatial Databases: With Application to GIS - In-depth Technical

In this review of Spatial Databases: With Application to GIS, the authors present a thorough treatment of spatial data techniques aimed at practitioners and advanced students working with geographic information systems. The book's single biggest reason to buy is its unified coverage of spatial models, algorithms and indexing methods that are not well served by mainstream DBMS technology, making it a valuable reference for anyone who needs to understand how GIS platforms handle spatial data under the hood.

Key Features

• Comprehensive survey: The book reviews a broad set of spatial data models and algorithms so readers can compare approaches and choose the most appropriate technique.
• Indexing methods explained: Detailed discussion of spatial indexing gives practical insight into performance trade-offs for large geographic datasets.
• Commercial platform review: Coverage of ArcInfo, ArcView, and Smallworld GISs helps readers understand real-world implementations and tools in the market.
• Relational extensions examined: The book compares PostgreSQL and Oracle Spatial extensions, aiding database architects evaluating spatial support in relational systems.
• Strengths and weaknesses assessed: The authors critically examine each technology, helping readers match products and techniques to specific use cases.

Who It's For

Spatial Databases is best suited to GIS professionals, database administrators, and graduate students who need a deep, technical understanding of spatial data handling, indexing, and algorithms. Readers who implement or optimize spatial queries in production systems will find the comparative analysis and practical considerations especially valuable.

Those looking for an introductory or tutorial-style textbook with step-by-step exercises should look elsewhere; the book is written as an in-depth survey and assumes some prior knowledge of databases and GIS concepts rather than serving as a beginner workbook.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Offers a unified, in-depth treatment of spatial techniques not covered well by mainstream DBMS texts.
• Provides practical comparisons of commercial GIS products to help inform platform choices.
• Explains spatial indexing and algorithms clearly enough to guide real-world performance decisions.
• Covers relational extensions such as PostgreSQL and Oracle Spatial for those integrating spatial data with existing databases.

Cons

• Not a beginner's guide; readers without database background may find the material dense and technical.

Specifications

Title	Spatial Databases: With Application to GIS
Authors	Philippe Rigaux, Michel Scholl, Agnes Voisard
Subject focus	Spatial data models, algorithms, indexing methods
Commercial systems reviewed	ArcInfo, ArcView, Smallworld GISs
Relational extensions covered	PostgreSQL and Oracle Spatial
Intended audience	GIS professionals, database administrators, advanced students

Our Verdict

Spatial Databases is a solid, technically rigorous reference for readers who need to understand how spatial data is modeled, indexed, and processed across academic techniques and commercial GIS products. It offers excellent value for GIS practitioners and DBAs who must make implementation or optimization decisions, though newcomers seeking an introductory tutorial should consider more basic texts first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book cover commercial GIS products?
Yes, it reviews ArcInfo, ArcView, and Smallworld GISs and discusses their relative strengths and weaknesses.

Are relational database extensions discussed?
Yes, the book examines PostgreSQL and Oracle Spatial as extensions to the relational model for handling spatial data.

Is this suitable for beginners?
The text is technical and assumes some prior database and GIS knowledge, so it is better suited to advanced students and professionals.