Introduction
This course teaches GE Smallworld GIS Data Modeling as a natural extension of conventional data modeling, (or systems analysis, or database design, depending on the era of your experience).
The starting point is Relational database design, the techniques of Entity-Relationship Diagramming, normalization, etc. The natural extension is the introduction of geometry as an optional additional datatype to an entity.
This simple addition offers new facilities to the designer, adding spatial and topological relationships to the cardinal relationships with which he is familiar, and correspondingly introduces new techniques for accessing the data.
The course uses the GE Smallworld GIS Case Tool, which is the recommended user interface for the system designer. Acquiring fluency in using the CASE tool is combined with revision of the prerequisite knowledge of conventional data modeling in the early part of the course.
The Practical sessions in this course are designed to demonstrate specific aspects of data modeling. The exercises gradually build up a simple Water Data Model.
The Water data model the students create in this course involves creating several objects (water customer, pipe, valve, treatment works and so on). Defining manifolds and connection rules, relationships and so on.
Audience
Systems Analysts and Programmer/Analysts who will be following the full GE Smallworld software development program.
System Architects and designers who need to know what may be accomplished within the GE Smallworld GIS.
Prerequisites
Those attending the course should already have attended the Foundation course. Good basic computing experience at design, programming, or similar level will be assumed. Additionally they should have either a good understanding of the concepts and techniques of conventional data modeling or a combination of professional expertise in a GIS discipline with appropriate computer awareness.
Aims and Objectives
After attending the course, students should have:
- An appreciation of the key concepts of database design. This might lead them to pursue further study in this basic discipline as a foundation for their GIS design work.
- An understanding of GIS data modeling as an extension of conventional database design.
- An awareness of design methodologies and other operational issues which affect the design environment in which they might be working.
- Familiarity with operation of the GE Smallworld GIS Case Tool.
Duration
4 Days
Contents
- The Case Tool
- Core Spatial Technologies architecture
- User objects
- User interface
- Geometry overview
- Topological geometry and manifolds
- Join relationships
- Rasters
- TINS
- Data model integrity
- System performance
- World of geometry
- Geometry modeling
