New Book: Spatial SQL
You aren’t alone if learning GIS and mapping concepts required you to adopt a new set of database-centric skills and tools. However, it may not have been in your Intro to GIS course either due to the more advanced nature of using scripting alongside spatial datasets. Today, learning SQL is essential for advancing any GIS career into more domains that are typically dominated by computer scientists, developers and software engineers. Likewise, developers who need to learn how to handle spatial data also need to understand the nuances of geospatial concepts that are not a core part of the SQL standard.
Simple Features for SQL is an OGC specification that implements spatial data types and functions in many databases, but really shines in PostGIS, the (open source) PostgreSQL database extension. It works well on its own for analysis but also connects well with desktop and web mapping geospatial systems. If you are ready to start handling your data with an enterprise approach, like using database tables instead of mucking around with files, then you will need to have a strong Spatial SQL background.
Spatial SQL
A Practical Approach to Modern GIS Using SQL
by Matthew Forrest
Matt’s new 430 page book covers everything you need to know about spatial database concepts and functionality. This breadth of topic is vast and includes more than just loading data and connecting it to QGIS. Learn data loading principles, but also querying and conversion along with working with raster data, geographic data types, performing complex analysis and more. The chapter listing below will give you a good idea.
Ready to check it out? Here are all the purchase links for Spatial SQL – both print and DRM-free e-book links here. We are now offering sale of print books through Amazon as well as our own print-on-demand store – compare prices to get the best deal.
Questions? Connect with Matt on LinkedIn to stay in touch.
What’s in the book
INTRODUCTION – Why SQL?
CHAPTER 1
The evolution to modern GIS, why spatial SQL matters, and the spatial SQL landscape today
CHAPTER 2 – Setting up
Installing PostGIS with Docker on any operating system
CHAPTER 3 – Thinking in SQL
How to move from desktop GIS to SQL and learn how to structure queries independently
CHAPTER 4 – The basics of SQL
Import data to PostgreSQL and PostGIS, SQL data types, and core SQL operations
CHAPTER 5 – Advanced SQL
Statistical functions, joins, window functions, managing data, and user-defined functions
CHAPTER 6 – Using the GEOMETRY
Working with GEOMETRY and GEOGRAPHY data, data manipulation, and measurements
CHAPTER 7 – Spatial relationships
Spatial joins, distance relationships, clustering, and overlay functions
CHAPTER 8 – Spatial analysis
Recreate common spatial analysis “toolbox” tools all in spatial SQL
CHAPTER 9 – Advanced analysis
Data enrichment, line of sight, kernel density estimation, and more
CHAPTER 10 – Raster data
Importing, analyzing, interpolating, and using H3 spatial indexes with raster data in PostGIS
CHAPTER 11 – Suitability analysis
Importing, analyzing, interpolating, and using H3 spatial indexes with raster data in PostGIS
CHAPTER 12 – Routing with pgRouting
Routing for cars and bikes, travel time isochrones, and traveling salesperson problem
CHAPTER 13 – Spatial data science
Spatial autocorrelation, location allocation, and create territories with PySAL in PostGIS
