Chapter 19
Using Spatial Data
One of the new features of SQL Server 2008 is the support for spatial data. This exciting feature gives you the ability to store data representing positions and geometric structures natively in SQL Server. This can provide significant opportunities for data mining based on previously difficult metrics such as location, distance, and space. With the prevalence of spatially oriented applications and devices in our society—from cartographic applications to global positioning system (GPS) appliances—being able to store spatial data natively in SQL Server can simplify the data services that these systems require.
SQL Server supports the current standards for spatial data storage and functionality; therefore, much of what ...
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