Track: Database Management and SDE
Spatial Database Engine (SDE) Data Management Services: Changing the Consultant's Toolkit
Peter C.G. VeenstraKen Brelsford
SDE is an extension to the industry-standard relational database management systems (RDBMSs) for large-scale storage of geographic data and spatial analysis. SDE is a complex tool requiring in-depth knowledge and experience with relational database management systems and software engineering. To properly implement SDE, organizations offering traditional GIS-based consulting services are finding themselves substantially upgrading their skills and changing their approach to systems implementation. This paper will present the development and execution of a plan for the implementation of SDE within a consulting firm. At the core of the plan were a change in the fundamental approach to consulting from a GIS-centric approach to a holistic information technology approach, skills development, internal implementation and testing of SDE, and finally a CASE study of a cooperative SDE implementation with an external client. This paper will discuss the successes, challenges, and lessons learned while undertaking the "SDE plan" including outlining some valuable lessons learned. Primarily, even with the advent of high-level software development tools, there is not a substitute for solid design and a sensible "data-centric" software engineering approach to SDE implementation.
Peter C.G. Veenstra
M.J. Harden Associates
1019 Admiral Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64106
USA
Telephone: 819-889-1153
Fax: 819-471-1599
E-mail: pveenstra@mjharden.com