Geodatabase Design Concepts

A well-planned and efficient design is critical to the success of a geodatabase implementation. This course explains the steps involved in the geodatabase design process, from preliminary planning to schema creation. You learn how to take advantage of existing ArcGIS data models and become familiar with data modeling techniques. A review of basic geodatabase concepts is included.

This course is designed for GIS data modelers, database designers, and analysts who are experienced ArcGIS users.

Those completing this course will be able to

• Understand the structure and features of a geodatabase.
• Define a project and conduct a geodatabase needs assessment.
• Explore data and data models.
• Understand the geodatabase design process.
• Create a conceptual model for a geodatabase.
• Build a logical data model for a geodatabase.
• Build a geodatabase schema.
• Test the model and deliver a geodatabase.

• Introduction to the geodatabase: Background information on geodatabase capabilities and advantages; Storage options; Geodatabase elements; Behavior in the geodatabase.
• Overview of geodatabase design: What to expect at each phase; Overview of Inception phase; Overview of Elaboration phase; Overview of Construction phase; Overview of Transition phase.
• Building the conceptual model: Identifying concepts from the Inception phase; Diagramming the conceptual model; Recognizing crucial data layers, attributes, and their associations.
• Layers and attributes in the logical data model: Mapping thematic layers to elements of the geodatabase; Defining properties for each table; Choosing geometry for feature classes; Designing and diagramming attributes and attribute properties; Determining and diagramming attribute domains; Grouping features into feature datasets or by subtype.
• Relationships in the logical data model: Normalization; Implementing associations; Relationship classes; Modeling relationships; Relationship properties and cardinality; Attributed relationships; Simple vs. composite relationships; Messaging and relationships; Relationships and subtypes; Modeling relationship rules; ArcMap joins and relates vs. relationship classes; Diagramming relationships.
• Geometric networks and topology in the logical data model: Introducing geometric networks; Investigating complex features and network weights; Defining connectivity rules; Diagramming geometric network; Diagramming edge-to-junction and edge-to-edge connectivity rules; Topology in the geodatabase; Examining topology rules; Diagramming topology; Geodatabase topology vs. map topology.
• The physical data model: Ways to build geodatabase schema; Building schema with CASE tools; Building schema by importing existing data; Creating new geodatabase elements in using ArcCatalog wizards; Sharing and editing schema with the Geodatabase Designer; CASE tools vs. ArcCatalog.
• From design to geodatabase: Outline construction and transition phases; Determining data automation method and considerations; Data loading options; Testing the geodatabase design in a pilot study; Choosing a pilot area; Documenting the pilot project; Managing metadata; Project tracking.

Students should have completed ArcGIS Desktop II: Tools and Functionality or Learning ArcGIS Desktop and ArcGIS Desktop III: GIS Workflows and Analysis or have equivalent knowledge.

This course is designed to work with the following software:

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