Relational Databases

Currently, relational databases dominate the database landscape worldwide. Consequently, numerous open-source relational database management systems have been developed and widely adopted for data storage and management. Notable examples include PostgreSQL, MySQL, Maria DB, and SQLite. Moreover, these systems come with spatial data extensions that enable the storage and management of spatial data. For example, PostgreSQL incorporates PostGIS, a robust spatial extension that empowers users to work with geographic objects, conduct spatial queries, and perform spatial operations. IBM DB2 utilizes the Spatial Extender to effectively manage spatial data, while MS SQL provides Spatial Storage, a dedicated module designed for spatial data management. SQLite, on the other hand, relies on SpatiaLite as its spatial extender. The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of major open-source database management systems, their respective spatial extensions, and the functions they offer for handling spatial data.