Solved! Go to Solution.
At the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, we are still using ArcGIS 9.3. I have been asked to investigate upgrading from ArcView 9.3 license (with 3D and Spatial analyst extensions) to ArcGIS 10.2.1 (with same extensions), but have a couple questions that need clarifying before deciding which of the new licenses is appropriate.
Presently, we use ArcView 9.3 for geologic mapping; importing GPS data, creating/editing shapfiles and overlaying them on various basemaps, e.g., satellite images or aerial photographs. In addition, we also import, modify and create elevation models from point cloud data (e.g., ascii files, Lidar/photogrammetry data and meshes/TINs). These are then used for calculating volume changes as a result of volcanic activity. All of this data is presently stored in a somewhat logical folder structure on a Windows PC and used in scientific publications and educational/outreach material which sometimes involves creating KML files. Normal, only one person is working on the data (me) and 1 or 2 others use the data for making maps.
I am currently running the 10.2.1 trial, but this is for the Advanced version and does not show me the limitations of the Basic or Standard versions. I would like to know:
- Is it recommended to store data inside geodatabases? (I can read the folder structure and use the data it contains in 10.2.1 without a problem)
- If answer to above is yes, is the Standard version (which I am favouring at the moment) appropriate (i.e. not overkill), given my described use of ArcView 9.3?
Thanks,
Adam