How does HANA handle geospatial data?

HANA handles geospatial data by utilizing special data types and functions that are specifically designed for geographic data. This approach allows for the representation of spatial data types like points, lines, and polygons, enabling the database to perform intricate spatial operations and queries effectively.

The dedicated data types ensure that the geospatial data is stored efficiently and accurately, and the built-in functions facilitate tasks such as spatial analysis, distance calculations, and geometric operations directly within the database environment. This capability is crucial for applications that require precise location-based queries and analyses, such as mapping, geographic information systems (GIS), and location-aware applications.

In contrast, relying solely on standard SQL data types would not provide the necessary support for complex spatial computations. External GIS software integration, while useful for certain applications, does not fully leverage the built-in capabilities of HANA to handle geospatial data natively. Flattening the data into two-dimensional formats would also lead to a loss of important spatial context, which is essential for effective geospatial analysis. Therefore, the use of specialized data types and functions is what empowers HANA to manage and analyze geospatial data effectively.