The heart of GIS data! A thorough explanation of data management in iDesktopX

Hello! I'm ippuku_time, a GIS implementation support consultant.

In the last installment of our "5-Minute Guide to SuperMap iDesktopX Products and Features" series, we provided a tutorial on creating a simple map and 3D scene using open data from Minato Ward, Tokyo. Starting with this installment, we'll delve deeper into each feature. This third installment provides a thorough explanation of " data management," the foundation of all GIS work.

To efficiently utilize GIS, it is very important to correctly understand the data structure. iDesktopX manages data in three hierarchical levels: " Workspace," " Data Source," and " Dataset." Understanding this simple yet powerful structure will make data organization much easier and dramatically improve the work efficiency of the entire project.

Figure 3-1 iDesktopX data management hierarchy

1. The workspace: the container for all your work

A workspace (*.smwu, *.sxwu) is a container, or working file, for your entire GIS project. All project-related elements, such as maps, 3D scenes, layouts, and connection information to data sources (explained below), are stored in this workspace file.

When you resume a project, you can simply open this workspace file to restore the previous working state.

(1) File-based workspace: Manage projects as a single file such as .smwu or .sxwu. This is easy to use and is suitable for individual work or small projects.

(2) Database-based workspace: Project information is stored in a database such as PostGIS or Oracle. This is suitable for multi-person collaboration and large-scale project management.

Figure 3-2 iDesktopX Data Hierarchy

2. Data repository "Data Source"

A data source is a database or file container that stores the actual geospatial data (vector data or raster data). A workspace holds the "connection information" to a data source, and the data source itself is independent. This allows for flexible data management, such as referencing a single data source from multiple workspaces.

iDesktopX supports a wide variety of data sources.

(1) File-based data source: SuperMap manages data in its own high-performance file format (*.udbx), which has no file size limit and allows safe and stable data handling.

(2) Database-based data sources: Connect to major relational and NoSQL databases, such as PostGIS, Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, and MongoDB, and use them as GIS data sources. This is essential for building systems that link with a company's core database.

(3) Web data sources: OGC standard web services such as WMS and WFS, and external map services published as REST services on SuperMap iServer can be directly overlaid on the map as if they were local data.

(4) Memory data source: This data source temporarily stores data in memory. It is useful in situations where high-speed processing is required, such as saving intermediate analysis results.

3. The smallest unit of data: "dataset"

A dataset is the smallest unit of data management that stores specific geographic data such as points, lines, and polygons. Like an Excel spreadsheet, data of the same type (e.g., polygons of all cities, towns, and villages in the country) is compiled into a single dataset. Multiple datasets can be stored in a single data source.

In addition to basic vector and raster datasets, iDesktopX also supports specialized data types such as LAS datasets for working with LiDAR point clouds.

4. High-speed access technology

iDesktopX is equipped with several advanced technologies to handle large amounts of data comfortably.

(1) Spatial index: This is an index that allows for fast search of data for a specific location within a vast map. Thanks to this index, it is possible to instantly display only the area around Minato Ward from data for the entire country of Japan.

(2) Image pyramid: This technology converts high-resolution aerial photographs and other images into images with multiple resolutions depending on the scale. By using low-resolution images when zooming out and high-resolution images when zooming in, the display speed remains constant.

(3) Mosaic Dataset: A system for handling hundreds or thousands of aerial photograph tiles as if they were a single continuous piece of data. Because it manages the data virtually without moving or duplicating the original files, it can efficiently handle a wide range of raster data without taking up too much disk space.

5. "Data version control" enables collaborative editing by multiple people

This feature allows multiple users to edit the same dataset simultaneously and safely. Each user creates a branch of the data "version" to edit, and then merges it with the parent version when they are finished. If a conflict occurs between edits, the system will detect it and allow you to choose which edits take priority and resolve the conflict. This allows for efficient collaboration while maintaining data integrity.

Summary

This time, we explained the data management functions of iDesktopX, which are the foundation of GIS. The hierarchical structure of "Workspace > Data Source > Dataset" and its ability to handle a variety of data sources such as files, databases, and web services support iDesktopX's flexible and robust data management infrastructure. Understanding this structure is the first step to mastering GIS.

In the next issue, we will be bringing you Part 4: "Handling real-time data with GIS! iDesktopX's Streaming Data Management." We will introduce a feature that visualizes location information sent from IoT devices on a map in real time. Stay tuned!

To download SuperMap iDesktopX: https://www.supermap.com/en-us/html/down.html

Source/For sample code, please go to: https://supermap-japan.blogspot.com/2025/09/gisippukutime-5supermap-idesktopx3d3gis.html