Saving the Amazon with PostGIS

Spatial Database differs from regular databases for its necessity to store spatial data features, capable of describing its location and representation. Generally spatial databases are created seeking to support application of Geographic Information Systems - GIS. For some time the closed source solution to database management systems – DBMS, dominated the implementation projects of spatial databases, but currently the utilization of the powerful combo: PostgreSQL and its spatial extension PostGIS appears as a excellent option. However the creation of a spatial database and later manipulation of stored data through GISI, goes beyond the choosing of a DBMS. Some of this factors will be discussed during the lecture. Spatial data analysis it’s the process to search for patterns and associations in maps that help to characterize, understand and predict spatial phenomena. With PostGis it’s possible to apply new spatial analysis techniques directly on the stored data. This possibility can make the systems more flexible and create new ways to use spatial data. This lecture will be shown the use of PostgreSQL, with PostGIS, to management and manipulation of spatial data in the context of applications used to monitor and protect the environment. It will be presented practical examples of the utilization of this tools concerning the case environmental surveillance of Brazilian Amazon.