ABSTRACT

We have now considered the data structures and algorithms which are used to store and process a range of different types of spatial data. In this chapter, we consider a range of strategies which are not specific to any particular data type, but are generally used to increase the efficiency of accessing large spatial datasets. To understand the factors which affect the speed of data access, let us return to a slightly modified version of the model of computer architecture which was introduced in Chapter 1, but this time focusing solely on data storage. In this model, data can be stored in one of four areas:

The CPU

Memory

Local storage

Networked storage