SQL Server Features & Components

SQW01 An Introduction to Spatial Data in SQL Server

11/20/2019

8:00am - 9:15am

Level: Introductory

Mindy Curnutt

Mindy Curnutt & Associates Consulting

Over a decade ago Microsoft added the capability to store and work with geometry and geography data types. (Wait...what's this you say?!?) Well, yes...it's been there for quite some time now. You can actually store spatial data in SQL tables (in the form of points, lines and polygons). There are also many powerful, built-in functions that allow the manipulation and calculation of results around this data. This is a powerful, but sadly underused feature of the product given that IoT tends to be so focused around the location of things.

Come to this session to learn about:

  • The two elusive data types (geography and geometry)
  • T-SQL Spatial routines and functions
  • How to load spatial data
  • Where you can get lots and lots of free spatial data to supplement your existing systems
  • See an example of real-world Spatial data in use (aggregating truck positions for tax calcs)
  • Write a SQL query from a bitmap picture (pure amusement)

You will learn:

  • About two special data types, geography and geometry
  • Understand the different spatial routines and functions, what they do, what type of result they return, and how you would use each
  • Watch a real world business case where using spatial data made things so much easier