Introduction to configuring the BIS workspace in Oracle (Bathymetry Solution)

Before you can take full advantage of the ArcGIS for Maritime: Bathymetry tools, you need to create at least one Bathymetry Information System (BIS) workspace. The Create BIS Database tool on the Bathymetry toolbar is designed to create new BIS geodatabases. The BIS is a geodatabase that references bathymetry data stored either locally or on your network and can be set up on a file or ArcSDE geodatabase. A BIS created within a file geodatabase is typically used for small implementations where having multiple, disparate users accessing the workspace is not required. The file geodatabase does not support versioning, only local connections, and is stored on your internal network or file system. An ArcSDE geodatabase should be used if your agency or organization needs to allow multiple users to access the system.

One of the key features of the BIS is that the system does not load the bathymetric surfaces directly into the geodatabase. This makes the BIS very scalable since the system tables that manage the bathymetric surfaces can grow based on the database system’s table storage capabilities.

This guide book is intended for database administrators as recommendations for establishing the BIS workspace in a geodatabase in Oracle. The enterprise geodatabase uses ArcSDE technology as the gateway between geographic information system (GIS) clients and Oracle.

Before starting this guide book, you need to install the Oracle software and, optionally, the ArcSDE application server software.

ArcSDE application server software installation

Connections to enterprise geodatabases use direct connections by default, but the ArcSDE application server is required if you want to connect to your geodatabase using ArcSDE service connections. Direct connections are recommended.

If you will only be using direct connections and don't want the administration command line tools, an ArcSDE installation isn't required.

If you want to install the ArcSDE application server and/or the administration command line tools, you need to download the ArcSDE installation files for your database management system and operating system from the Esri Customer Care portal. It may be useful to install the ArcSDE administration command line tools to perform certain advanced configuration operations.

For more information, see What is an ArcSDE service?

Oracle software installation

The Oracle software media kit contains instructions to install Oracle on different platforms. Refer to software media kits for an easy and fast installation.

Alternatively, review documentation provided about Oracle 11g standard edition software on Windows.