Spatial databases

A spatial database is a type of database optimized to store and query data that represents objects defined in a geometric space, such as points, lines, and polygons.

Spatial databases are usually implemented in general-purpose database systems, optimized for storage and retrieval of spatial data. Commonly, relational databases are used as the underlying technology.

A geographic database (or geodatabase) is a category of spatial databases in which the spatial data stored represents geographic data (or geodata) – data representing locations on Earth. Geodatabases are used in geographic information systems (GIS).