Enterprise geodatabase data models, constraints and supported storage
Start with the real data relationships
A geodatabase design describes feature/table identity, attributes, relationships and intended spatial behavior. Identify key uniqueness, cardinality, required fields, coordinate reference and quality rules before choosing an implementation. A feature dataset can group compatible feature classes for supported shared behaviors such as topology. Coded-value domains constrain permitted values, while subtypes can group rows with different defaults and domains without requiring separate feature classes for each category.
Distinguish database capabilities
A spatial database and an enterprise geodatabase are not identical products. Geodatabase metadata and supported behavior add capabilities beyond simply storing geometry in an RDBMS. Registered data referenced by a service also differs from the hosting platform’s managed ArcGIS Data Store. Supported DBMS versions, spatial types, platform prerequisites and client/server compatibility must be checked for the actual release. Do not assume that one Esri spatial type works across every database or that a historical list of supported vendors remains current.
Preserve identity and data meaning
Object identifiers, GlobalIDs, business keys and relationship references have different purposes. A field map controls how source columns relate to target fields during a supported load; a matching name is not proof of matching units, domains or meaning. A transfer must preserve the relevant origin/destination relationships, schema and supported dataset behavior where required. A successful copy of one feature class does not automatically reproduce every relationship or dependent dataset in an enterprise design.
Make permissions and validation accountable
A data owner and a geodatabase administrator have different scopes, while the underlying DBMS has its own administrative authority. A graphical dataset-privilege tool’s requirements should not be turned into a universal statement that no database administrator can grant any privilege. Use actual supported data access rather than editing geodatabase repository tables directly. Validate geometry, attributes, references and intended spatial results under a controlled workflow. These written examples create no database, grant no privilege, migrate no records and assert no universal national legal retention period or complete current certification blueprint.