Conceptual Framework for SQL Spatial Data Science – Geometry Versus Geography

Before analyzing geospatial data, you will need to learn about the frameworks of spatial analysis and the important distinction between geometry and geography. This is the primary difference between SQL and spatial SQL and is an important consideration when bringing data together from different datasets and—potentially—different SRIDs. Think about the difference between a map of bike rental locations your hotel might provide while you are visiting from out of town. Perhaps a local graphic designer creates it to show you sketches of the nearby ice cream shop and other amenities within a few blocks of your location. How easy do you think it would be to superimpose this map with perhaps one you brought with you from a local visitors center on your drive into town?

This is the same challenge when bringing multiple datasets together. We need to have confidence in our source of “truth...