• 1. Data Storage and Structure
  • 1.1. Data Storage
    • 1.1.1. Plain Text Files
    • 1.1.2. Binary Files
    • 1.1.3. XML
    • 1.1.4. Databases
    • 1.1.5. Data Structure
    • 1.1.6. Unit-Summary
  • 1.2. XML Introduction
  • 1.3. XML Syntax
  • 1.4. XML DTD / Schema
  • 1.5. Self Assessment
  • 1.6. Summary
  • 1.7. Glossary
  • 1.8. Bibliography
  • 1.9. Metadata

1.1.6. Unit-Summary

There exist four main file types which are used to store data:

• Plain Text Files: Simple data structure
• Binary Files: Fixed data structure
• XML: Simple - complex data structure
• Databases: Simple - complex data structure

Each file type has its advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the planned project certain file types are more qualified than others:

• Plain text files are mainly used for small datasets or for the import or export to or from spreadsheets programs or for the import into GIS or Mapping Software.
• Binary files are mostly used to store raster data such as images or terrain models.
• XML is mainly used for both small and large datasets but not for a huge amount of data. XML is suitable for the data exchange between two different systems such as databases, applications, etc.
• Databases are used for bigger until huge datasets which require an efficient data management.

Data can be structured in many different ways:

• by theme
• by data type
• by time
• etc.

Depending on the given data and purpose of it, an optimal data structure has to be chosen.

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Update: 26.1.2012 (eLML) - Contact - Print (PDF) - © CartouCHe 2004-2007 (Creative Commons) - layout based on YAML