Re: Oracle8i Spatial, R 8.1.7 EE

"Giorgos Tsiamitas" <gtsiam_at_gmx.net> wrote in message news:<Zv6T6.240$8i.9506_at_nreader1.kpnqwest.net>...
> comments below
>
> "PD" <no_pdo_at_ibmws2.ipf.tuwien.ac.at> wrote in message
> news:3B1CCEB0.43DF70C_at_ibmws2.ipf.tuwien.ac.at...
> > Need help on Oracle8i Spatial - Release 8.1.7.
> >
> > I'm designing a spatial Oracle database using Oracle8i-Release 8.1.7.
> > Enterprise Edition. I read the documentation:
> > Oracle Spatial - User's Guide and Reference (a85337-01)
> > On page 28 f. (Chapter 1.2 Object-Relational and Relational Models) they
> > write:
> >
> > You should select the object-relational model in all cases except where
> > the relational model is necessary for current needs. Basically, the
> > object-relational model is preferable in cases where replication and
> > distributed databases are not required. [...] In these environments,
> > users can take advantage of the Oracle8i managed standby capability to
> > get, in effect, read-only replication of database instances or
> > tablespaces, and thus the object-relational model can be used. [...]
> > 1.2.2 Benefits of the Relational Model: The following are some of the
> > benefits of using the relational model, as described in Part II of this
> > guide:
> > * Database replication is supported.
> > * Distributed databases are supported.
> > * Table partitioning and parallel index loading are supported.
> >
> > I have to develop a distributed database and as I have to deal with a
> > big amount of image data within this db I need to use replication. At
> > least 'read-only replication'.
> >
> > So my questions:
> > Is there a possibility for me to use the Object-Relational Model?
> > If not:
> > When is Oracle going to implement distribution and replication for the
> > ORM?
> > As I choose the relational model: How long this model going to be
> > supported by Oracles' new releases?
>
> The relational model is going to be supported until a better and viable
> alternative is found - I would say more than 5-10 years. Object-Relational
> Model (ORM) is not considered to be such an alternative, neither in theory,
> nor in practice. The relational model is around for 30 years or so and it's
> going to stay here a lot more.
>
> Oracle, as all mainstream DBMSs, implements the relational model and adds
> some limited support for objects, mainly to facilitate abstractions. To
> desupport the relational model would mean: 1. rewrite the entire software
> from scratch, 2. lose their marketshare.
>
> So, go for the relational model and dont worry!

The point of the question was not whether or not relational databases were being replaced by object or object/relational ones. The question is specific to how Oracle implements the spatial data option. The object/relational model is the only model that Oracle will support for spatial data in the future--specifically Oracle9i Release 2 will not support the relational model. Here is the quoted text from the Spatial User's Guide for Oracle 9i Release 1 which is now available on OTN (http://technet.oracle.com).

"This is the last release of Oracle Spatial that will support the relational geometry model; only the object-relational model will be supported in Oracle9i release 2. Information about the relational model has been removed from this guide and placed in a separate manual, Oracle Spatial Relational Model Guide and Reference, which is available on the Oracle Technology Network.

If you have not already switched completely to the object-relational model, you should do so immediately."

Given this, I'm not sure what advice to give. A quick look through the Oracle9i doc's do not reveal that distributed database are or are not supported by Oracle9i Spatial. I'm assuming they are since the relational model is going away in Release 2. This would be an excellent question to post on the spatial discussion forum on OTN.

Hope this helps.

Matt. Received on Sat Jul 21 2001 - 16:09:55 CDT