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.

You can add the ST_Geometry spatial data type to an existing PostgreSQL or Oracle database using the Create Spatial Type geoprocessing tool or Python script.

When you add the ST_Geometry type to a database, an sde user and storage space are created, as are system tables, views, functions, triggers, and other metadata objects to maintain ST_Geometry.

For information on the ST_Geometry type and functions, see the Using ST_Geometry with SQL section of the ArcGIS help.