ABSTRACT
This chapter prompts the reader to consider both the rationale and the mechanisms for storing and retrieving data. The chapter poses a hypothetical situation in which the reader is responsible for managing the results of some basic environmental measurements. Various scenarios for managing the data are presented. In each case, an assessment is conducted to determine how well each of the characteristics and measures from Chapter 2 are achieved. These assessments are used to identify situations in which that specific data management system can be appropriate (if any). The scenarios increase in complexity, but ultimately each one fails some key test until we arrive at the conclusion that a database is the best approach. Different types of database management systems are described, but the focus is on the relational model because it is the best choice for environmental data. Some advantages and disadvantages of a database system are discussed. The chapter ends with a summary of the data management approach decision-making process.
