Databases and ST_Geometry

ST_Geometry is a user-defined data type that allows you to store spatial data directly in a field in the table. The ST_Geometry type can be used with ArcGIS clients, plus it provides SQL access to simple feature class geometry.

Use the Create Spatial Type geoprocessing tool or a Python script to add the ST_Geometry spatial data type to an existing PostgreSQL or Oracle database. The tool adds the ST_Geometry data type, an sde user and storage space, and system tables, views, functions, triggers, and other metadata objects to maintain ST_Geometry.

Use the CreateOGCTables SQL function to add the ST_Geometry spatial data type to an existing SQLite database. When you add the ST_Geometry type to an SQLite database, ST_Geometry system tables are added to the database to maintain ST_Geometry metadata. The ST_Geometry SQL functions are stored in libraries that are external to the database. See Spatially enable an SQLite database for more information.

Alternatively, you can use the Create SQLite Database geoprocessing tool or a Python script to create an SQLite database that uses the ST_Geometry spatial data type.