+49 (0) 30 5201 4923
info@orb-experts.com
A practical course on the structured and consistent management of GIS data in ArcGIS geodatabases. Participants learn how to design suitable database structures, implement data-quality rules, and migrate existing shapefiles and other geospatial datasets into a modern geodatabase.
You will learn the conceptual foundations of different geodatabase types and understand the advantages they offer compared with storing data in shapefiles. You will create feature classes and feature datasets, define attribute domains and subtypes, and use attribute rules, topology, and relationship classes to improve data consistency.
You will also explore the migration of existing datasets, the management of raster and annotation data, and the design of an appropriate geodatabase structure.
By the end of the course, you will be able to design and build geodatabases that meet specific operational requirements and use them to manage spatial data consistently and efficiently.
• Understand the differences between shapefiles and geodatabases
• Select suitable geodatabase types for different requirements
• Create structured feature classes and feature datasets
• Use attribute domains and subtypes to standardise data
• Configure attribute rules for automated calculations and validation
• Control spatial data quality with topology rules
• Migrate shapefiles and other datasets into a geodatabase
• Manage relationship classes, raster data, and annotation
• Plan a geodatabase for specific operational requirements
• Basic knowledge of ArcGIS Pro
• Experience working with layers, attribute tables, and spatial data
• A basic understanding of feature geometries and coordinate systems
• No database or programming experience is required
*We customize the course outline and content to your specific needs and relevant use cases.
Module 1: Fundamentals of Geospatial Data Management
• Requirements for structured geospatial data storage
• Data quality, consistency, and traceability
• Limitations of purely file-based data storage
• Structure and fundamental principles of an ArcGIS geodatabase
• Managing spatial and non-spatial data together
• Typical applications in public administration, planning, and analysis
Module 2: Comparing Geodatabases and Shapefiles
• Structure and characteristics of shapefiles
• Structure and characteristics of geodatabase datasets
• Differences in field names, data types, and null values
• Management of geometries and attributes
• Options for defining data rules and relationships
• Working with large and complex datasets
• Selecting a suitable format for different tasks
Module 3: Types of Geodatabase
• Overview of mobile, file, and enterprise geodatabases
• Characteristics and typical uses of a mobile geodatabase
• Structure and use of a file geodatabase
• Fundamentals and applications of an enterprise geodatabase
• Distinguishing single-user and multi-user environments
• Requirements for storage, collaboration, and scalability
• Criteria for selecting an appropriate geodatabase type
Module 4: Creating Data Structures
• Creating a new geodatabase
• Creating feature classes for point, line, and polygon features
• Defining geometry type, coordinate system, and spatial properties
• Creating attribute fields with suitable data types
• Creating and using feature datasets
• Structuring data by subject and spatial context
• Developing naming conventions and documentation standards
Module 5: Attribute Domains and Subtypes
• Purpose and advantages of attribute domains
• Creating range and coded-value domains
• Assigning and managing domains for fields
• Controlling permitted values and input ranges
• Creating subtypes for different feature categories
• Defining subtype-specific default values and domains
• Accelerating data entry and reducing input errors
• Adding domains and subtypes to existing data models
Module 6: Attribute Rules and Automated Data Logic
• Fundamentals and applications of attribute rules
• Creating calculation rules for automatic attribute values
• Using validation rules for operational checks
• Applying constraint rules to prevent invalid entries
• Automating calculations following attribute or geometry changes
• Defining triggering events and rule conditions
• Creating clear and informative error messages
• Testing, documenting, and maintaining rules
Module 7: Topology and Spatial Data Quality
• Fundamentals of geodatabase topology
• Selecting suitable rules for point, line, and polygon data
• Identifying overlaps, gaps, and invalid spatial relationships
• Creating and validating topologies
• Distinguishing errors from permitted exceptions
• Reviewing and correcting topology errors systematically
• Integrating data-quality checks into operational workflows
• Understanding the limitations and appropriate uses of topology
Module 8: Relationship Classes and Connected Data
• Modelling relationships between spatial and tabular data
• Distinguishing simple and composite relationship classes
• Understanding one-to-one, one-to-many, and many-to-many relationships
• Defining primary and foreign keys
• Creating and testing relationship classes
• Viewing and editing related records in ArcGIS Pro
• Documenting operational relationships clearly
Module 9: Migrating Existing Geospatial Data
• Importing shapefiles into a geodatabase
• Converting multiple datasets efficiently
• Checking field names, data types, and attribute values
• Reviewing coordinate systems and geometries
• Importing data from other formats
• Adding domains, subtypes, and rules after migration
• Recognising data loss and structural changes during conversion
• Validating migration results systematically
Module 10: Versions and Compatibility
• Understanding geodatabase versions and software compatibility
• Using existing geodatabases in newer ArcGIS environments
• Upgrading geodatabases when required
• Considering the effects of upgrades on older applications
• Checking backwards compatibility and data exchange requirements
• Creating backups before structural changes
• Planning, testing, and documenting migrations
Module 11: Raster and Annotation Data in a Geodatabase
• Storing and organising raster data in a geodatabase
• Managing individual rasters and raster datasets
• Selecting suitable storage strategies for raster content
• Creating and storing annotation data in a geodatabase
• Distinguishing standard and feature-linked annotation
• Converting labels to annotation
• Editing and managing annotation features
• Integrating raster and annotation data into an overall data model
Module 12: Planning and Designing a Geodatabase
• Identifying operational and technical requirements
• Defining features, attributes, and relationships
• Structuring feature classes, tables, and feature datasets
• Planning domains, subtypes, rules, and topologies
• Establishing naming, documentation, and quality standards
• Considering responsibilities and maintenance processes
• Developing a conceptual data model for a practical use case
• Testing the data model and identifying improvements
Module 13: Practical Project – Building a Geodatabase
• Reviewing an existing geospatial dataset
• Planning a suitable geodatabase structure
• Creating feature classes and feature datasets
• Importing data from shapefiles and other sources
• Configuring domains, subtypes, and attribute rules
• Creating topology rules and relationship classes
• Checking data quality and functionality
• Documenting and reviewing the completed data model
Hands-on learning with expert instructors at your location for organizations.
Master new skills guided by experienced instructors from anywhere.
