October 2015 Summaries

Reducing spatial data size is crucial for improving the performance of map rendering applications, particularly those serving large populations of users. By applying various techniques such as reducing vertex count through filtering and simplification, and representing coordinates using delta encoding, the CartoDB platform has achieved significant reductions in storage size and network bandwidth usage. The implementation utilizes PostGIS 2.2 features, including ST_Simplify() with optional parameter to preserve collapsed geometries, and "Tiny well-known binary" representation format that packs data into minimum possible size using delta encoding and variable length integers. These changes have visibly reduced network overhead and memory usage in real-world deployments, making the application more efficient and environmentally friendly.

The Texas GIS Forum, hosted by CartoDB, is taking place from October 26th to 29th at the Commons Learning Center in Austin, TX. The conference aims to bring together geography and technology professionals to share advancements in private and public sectors. Attendees can learn about CartoDB's capabilities through various talks and events, including a Forum Social with drinks, bowling, darts, and ping pong. Keynote speakers will discuss topics such as GIS Lessons and Cloud-based GIS. The event is geared towards the statewide GIS community, offering opportunities for networking and connection-making.