Geometry Data type in SQL Server 2005

Does SQL Server 2005 have a geometry data type?
I am trying to figure out to use SQL Server 2005 or Oracle
The primary requirement is to be able to use any GIS software in the develop
ment of a new workflow, to access data, analyze and map data stored in a dat
abase.
The following is what I was able to find on the web.
While both Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server support the storage and maintenan
ce of geo-spatial information, each vendor has chosen a fundamentally differ
ent approach to the implementation of this capability.
Oracle has developed a geometry data type that is fully integrated with the
underlying Oracle 9i kernel. Oracle allows users to interact directly with t
he database using SQL language. In addition, Oracle has published the struct
ure of its geometry, making it an open specification. Any GIS software is ca
pable accessing the data stored in Oracle. In addition, all business rules f
or data and geo-spatial data integrity is built into this model, and any acc
ess, input, edits or other interaction must adhere to the rules that are des
igned in the database no matter the application accessing the database.
Conversely, Microsoft has not developed a geometry object in SQL Server. Eac
h GIS vendor is therefore responsible for developing a method for storing GI
S information in this database. Thus, Intergraph, ESRI, and MapInfo have dev
eloped their own binary geometry structures to allow them to store geo-spati
al information in SQL Server. This approach makes the geo-spatial informatio
n dependent on the GIS software that is used.
Can anyone please help me!docsql wrote:
> Does SQL Server 2005 have a geometry data type?
> I am trying to figure out to use SQL Server 2005 or Oracle
> The primary requirement is to be able to use any GIS software in the devel
opment of a new workflow, to access data, analyze and map data stored in a d
atabase.
> The following is what I was able to find on the web.
> While both Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server support the storage and mainten
ance of geo-spatial information, each vendor has chosen a fundamentally diff
erent approach to the implementation of this capability.
> Oracle has developed a geometry data type that is fully integrated with the underl
ying Oracle 9i kernel. Oracle allows users to interact directly with the database us
ing SQL language. In addition, Oracle has published the structure of its geometry, m
aki
ng it an open specification. Any GIS software is capable accessing the data
stored in Oracle. In addition, all business rules for data and geo-spatial d
ata integrity is built into this model, and any access, input, edits or othe
r interaction must adhere t
o the rules that are designed in the database no matter the application accessing the databa
se.
> Conversely, Microsoft has not developed a geometry object in SQL Server. Each GIS
vendor is therefore responsible for developing a method for storing GIS information
in this database. Thus, Intergraph, ESRI, and MapInfo have developed their own binar
y g
eometry structures to allow them to store geo-spatial information in SQL Server. This approa
ch makes the geo-spatial information dependent on the GIS software that is used.een">
>
>
There is no specific datatype. That doesn't prevent you storing
geo-spacial data as your post explains. You can define your own complex
datatypes in SQL Server.
David Portas, SQL Server MVP
Whenever possible please post enough code to reproduce your problem.
Including CREATE TABLE and INSERT statements usually helps.
State what version of SQL Server you are using and specify the content
of any error messages.
SQL Server Books Online:
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/library/ms130214(en-US,SQL.90).aspx
--|||There is no specific datatype. That doesn't prevent you storing
geo-spacial data as your post explains. You can define your own complex
datatypes in SQL Server.
David Portas, SQL Server MVP
Whenever possible please post enough code to reproduce your problem.
Including CREATE TABLE and INSERT statements usually helps.
State what version of SQL Server you are using and specify the content
of any error messages.
SQL Server Books Online:
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/library/ms130214(en-US,SQL.90).aspx
--|||I've never heard of a geometry data type. ESRI's products do run on
SQL though - SDE is the one that comes to mind. You can use SQL if
you're using ESRI....see esri's site:
www.esri.com
SDE page:
http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/arcsde/index.html
http://www.esri.com/news/releases/0...arcsde_sql.html