Spatial Databases - Desktop GIS: Mapping the Planet with Open Source Tools - page 108

workspace. When you click the Catalog tab, you'll get a list of the data
stores available to you, one of which will be your PostGIS connection(s).
If you expand the PostGIS node, you'll see a list of all the layers for a
given connection. To add one of the layers, simply right-click it and
choose Add to New Map or Add to Current Map . You'll note this is also a
quick way to create a new map and get some data on it. If you choose
Add to New Map , a new map tab is created and named the same name
as the layer you chose.

7.6 Summing It Up

You now have been exposed to the power and flexibility of a spatially
enabled database. Should you use a spatial database or stick to file-
based data like shapefiles? That depends on your needs and goals. If
you have large datasets that you want to create “virtual” layers from
using views or definition queries, a spatial database is the way to go.
Another good reason is to create a centrally located, shared data source
for multiple users.

A spatial database adds a bit of complexity in terms of getting started,
but it's worth the effort when managing large datasets and many layers.
If you are a casual user, you may find it's not for you—again, it depends
on your goals and needs.

Lastly, you may be wondering why we are talking about server software
in a desktop book. If you've gotten this far, you realize that the “back
end” is just as important as the front. Using a spatial database provides
a data store that we can use on the desktop, as well as for web map-
ping applications. From that perspective, it's a good choice as a central
repository for all our data.