The geodatabase is the data storage and data management framework for ArcGIS. The geodatabase holds a collection of geographic datasets of various types. These datasets are managed in a file system folder, a Microsoft® Access™ database, or a relational database management system such as Oracle®, Microsoft® SQL Server®, PostgreSQL®, Informix® or IBM® DB2.
Geodatabases can scale from small, single-user databases up to larger, enterprise level geodatabases which can be edited and accessed by many users simultaneously.
Geodatabases support all of the different types of data that can be used by ArcGIS. For example, features, imagery and other raster data, and tabular information. A complete set of conversion tools is also available to easily migrate existing geospatial data into the geodatabase.
Geodatabases model behavior and advanced capabilities such as:
- Multiuser editing through versioning
- Topologies to enforce the integrity of your spatial data
- Networks to model and analyze flows
- Terrains for modeling surfaces and Lidar data management
- Data Validation using domains and subtypes
- Distributed geodatabase replication
- Management of historical archives of your data as it is updated through time
To learn more about the geodatabase and how it can be used to meet the specific requirements of your GIS project or application see An overview of the geodatabase and Essential readings about the geodatabase in the ArcGIS help system.