This course introduces concepts and techniques associated with the design, development, and management of geospatial databases, including databases used in shared and scalable enterprise GIS platforms. In addition to learning about relational database theory and design, students will construct and maintain spatially enabled relational databases using the free and open source PostgreSQL/PostGIS database management system. Database performance and user access considerations are introduced, and students learn to develop and work with enterprise database systems that support large datasets and simultaneous access by many users. Enterprise GIS systems and techniques facilitating concurrent editing of shared spatial databases are introduced. The courses practical assignments involving enterprise databases are contextualized with a focus upon GIS project management best practices.
