PostGIS
PostGIS is a spatial database extender for PostgreSQL that adds support for geographic objects, allowing location queries to be run in SQL. It enables storing, querying, and manipulating spatial data such as points, lines, polygons, and rasters, making PostgreSQL a powerful geospatial database. It is widely used in GIS (Geographic Information Systems), mapping applications, and location-based services.
Developers should learn PostGIS when building applications that require spatial data analysis, such as mapping tools, logistics systems, real estate platforms, or environmental monitoring. It is essential for handling geographic queries like distance calculations, spatial joins, and geometry operations directly in the database, improving performance and scalability compared to application-level processing. Use cases include route optimization, geofencing, and spatial data visualization.