This module delivers an introduction to databases which culminates in a broader treatment of spatial databases. Spatial databases are databases specifically design to manage spatial or geographical data. The module provides an introduction to Structured Query Language (SQL) where no previous experience of SQL or databases is assumed. The module will provide students with a broad understanding of the challenges of working with spatial data and other types of spatially-related information. Using a relational database approach the module considers several key aspects of spatial data science or spatial analysis including:
• relational database models for spatial data;
• spatial data structures; spatial data integrity; spatial data manipulation;
• spatial algorithms used in Geographic Information Systems (GIS);
• spatial analysis techniques including statistical approaches for spatially-informed decision making;
• spatial data visualisation using GIS;
• spatial data formats (PostgreSQL PostGIS database, GeoJSON, ESRI Shapefiles, CSV);
• alternative database models for geospatial data.
The course offers students an introduction into spatial and non-spatial SQL with treatments of modern topics in SQL such as Window Functions, query optimization, and so on included. Working with NoSQL and unstructured sources of geospatial data are also discussed.
The course offers a mixture of laboratory-based course work and an individual portfolio project which combines SQL and GIS.
Outcome:
On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:
Design and implement spatial databases using standard models and spatial database management systems. Query spatial databases using standard query tools and languages
Use Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to analyse and visualise spatial data
Create interfaces to view and customise, interact with spatial data
Design and implement spatial indices for efficient searching of data
Perform spatial analysis on large spatial databases and datasets
Ensure reliability, security, integrity and privacy in spatial databases
Understand NoSQL model approaches such as key-value stores, document databases, etc
Understand the challenges and most effective approaches to working with large databases of spatial data.
