Search TipsCadcorp Base Dataset (BDS) versus Feature Database (FDB)
BDS and FDB files are both standard Cadcorp formats. The choice of file formats depends on their use, the details of each file type are summarized in the following table.
| Base Dataset (BDS) | Feature Database (FDB) | |
|
Geometry |
Stores complex vector, topological geometry and raster images. |
Well-known-binary format used for geometry, i.e. compatible with OpenGIS Simple Features Specification. No topology, no cartographic text (use Point item with text attribute and create a Label theme) and no true arcs, circles (faceted) or Beziers, i.e. supports only straight geometry. |
|
Capacity |
Limited |
1 Terabyte |
|
Read as |
Memory |
Cursor |
|
Considerations |
Dates held formatted, (i.e. 12/6/2009) Boolean held formatted, (i.e. True/False), but displayed in table window 0=True, 1=False |
Dates held in Julian format, (i.e. 41255). Boolean held and displayed as 0=True, 1=False. |
|
Advantages |
Items can each have different attributes. Item styles stored. Complex geometry stored. |
Items all have the same attributes. Multi-user editable with feature level locking. |
|
Disadvantages |
Can be multi-user Hittable, not multi-user Editable |
No storage of Item styles. Simple geometry only stored. |