SDE Conversion & Installation
Spatial Data Engine
Spatial Data Engine (SDE) is ESRI's enterprise solution for integrating spatial databases into a multi-departmental or multi-discipline structure. While there are several benefits of making the transition from the file based data sets such as coverages and shapefiles, the greatest benefit is the integration of multiple data layers into a single data container that allows the administrator to have granular control over data modeling, access, validation (spatial and attribute), and workflow procedures in a multi-user editing environment.
SDE is an extremely efficient solution, but is neither intuitive to setup or configure. Panda Consulting has worked with over a dozen large organizations to help them transition through the conversion to SDE and understand the inner workings of the software together with tips for ensuring the software continues to operate efficiently. Critical to the success of any conversion is an understanding of the inner workings of the geodatabase and a design strategy that optimizes geodatabase for the organization's needs.
Conversion vs Translation
As mentioned above, the adoption of SDE technology is not simply taking your existing data layers, in whatever format they may currently be stored, and loading them into an SDE database. There are good reasons why various data layers should be consolidated and why other data layers should be segregated. The creation of feature datasets, subtypes and domains will ensure more than the speedy transition, they will ensure that quality data is input and maintained. Be careful to avoid merely loading the existing structures into an SDE database without a complete analysis of your needs.
Modality of the Geodatabase
One very interesting aspect of the geodatabase is manner in which various designs affect the efficiency of the final system. The geodatabase must operate efficiently in three discrete modes: Storage, Production and Publication. The optimal design for storing the data is very different from the optimal design for editing and maintaining the data which is also very different from the optimal design when you wish to publish the data. When designing a geodatabase, you must determine which mode is more important to you and seek a design that reflects the manner in which you will use the data.
Process
The process of conversion to an SDE geodatabase consists of multiple stages: evaluation of the existing data and workflow, development of a prototype data design, loading and testing of representable sample data to determine the usability of the design, development of loading procedures to import all existing data, testing for optimization of SDE configuration tables with imported data, quality control and testing of the imported data and training of the client staff on findings and procedures for future maintenance and optimization.
Contact Us
Please click the Contact Us link below and let us help you with the conversion.
