Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
the virtual database system has reduced storage administration by 95 percent and decreased
the need for more storage capacity by 50 percent.
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In addition to visual, audio, and virtual databases, other special-purpose database systems
meet particular business needs.
Spatial data technology
involves using a database to store and
access data according to the locations it describes and to permit spatial queries and analysis.
MapInfo software from Pitney Bowes allows businesses such as Home Depot, Sonic Restau-
rants, CVS Corporation, and Chico's to choose the optimal location for new stores and
local competition, populations, and traffic patterns to predict how a business will fare in a
particular location. Builders and insurance companies use spatial data to make decisions
related to natural hazards. Spatial data can even be used to improve financial risk management
with information stored by investment type, currency type, interest rates, and time.
Spatial data technology is used by
NASA to store data from satellites
and Earth stations. Location-
specific information can be
accessed and compared.
(Source: Courtesy of NASA.)
