Creating spatial columns

Create spatial columns to store and retrieve spatial data.

Before you begin

  • Choose a coordinate system and determine which spatial reference system to use for your data.
  • Consider the storage needs of the data. This includes determining which inline length to specify for columns that are to contain geospatial data. For more information, see Specifying inline lengths for geospatial columns.

About this task

You can create a spatial column in a new table or add it to an existing table. You can also create a spatial column when you import spatial data into a new or existing table.

Procedure

Choose one of the following ways to create spatial columns:
  • Use the CREATE TABLE SQL statement to create a table with a spatial column.
  • Use the ALTER TABLE SQL statement to add a spatial column to an existing table.
  • If available, use the spatial import procedure to create a table with a spatial column. This process also populates the table with data from the shape files provided by you.

What to do next

After you create a spatial column, you can register it to assign a spatial reference system to the spatial column.