I am a bit confused on the topic of geodatabases. Previously, I have used geodatabases as an easy way to keep all files together rather than having dozens of shapefiles all over the place. And it's easier when finally exporting all the relevant stuff to the client.
But earlier it got me thinking; what is really the difference between gdb's and mdb's, from a user's perspective? Which one should I stick to? Why should I use a geodatabase (should I?) instead of shapefiles when analysing and running functions on my data? Pros and cons in general?
My primary focus is within ArcGIS, I don't usually edit stuff outside of that environment.
This question is somewhat related to an earlier one, but it was asked quite a while ago and references mainly ArcMap 9.3.
COMMENT:Thank you all for contributing. To sum this up: due to performance and limitations, FGDB's seems to be what I should use provided no editing outside of ArcMap is necessary. Shapefiles are still good because of their acceptance over platforms and applications.
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But earlier it got me thinking; what is really the difference between gdb's and mdb's, from a user's perspective? Which one should I stick to? Why should I use a geodatabase (should I?) instead of shapefiles when analysing and running functions on my data? Pros and cons in general?
My primary focus is within ArcGIS, I don't usually edit stuff outside of that environment.
This question is somewhat related to an earlier one, but it was asked quite a while ago and references mainly ArcMap 9.3.
COMMENT:Thank you all for contributing. To sum this up: due to performance and limitations, FGDB's seems to be what I should use provided no editing outside of ArcMap is necessary. Shapefiles are still good because of their acceptance over platforms and applications.
أكثر...