Multiuser Functionality

Versioning

Versioning is the mechanism that enables the geodatabase to manage and maintain multiple states while preserving database integrity. It is the basis for multiple users accessing and editing data simultaneously. Versions explicitly record the object states of a geodatabase.

The options for versioned editing in a multiuser geodatabase are

Versioned Editing

• Ability to manage conflict resolution
• Supports undo/redo capability
• Supports the full geodatabase model
• Supports geodatabase archiving and replication
• Supports long transactions
• Persistent record of changes
• Versioned editing with the option to move edits to base
  • Edits made to DEFAULT version automatically migrated to base tables
  • Supports undo/redo capability
  • Supports editing simple data only
  • Not compatible with geodatabase archiving and replication

Nonversioned Editing

• Editing of source data directly
• Last edit is final
• No ability to undo/redo changes

Please refer to the following versioning white papers for more information.

• Versioning—A conceptual overview
• Versioning Workflows—How versions support a series of common GIS workflows

Geodatabase Replication

Geodatabase replication enables GIS data to be shared across two or more geodatabases. Data changes can be made in each geodatabase, then synchronized.

Geodatabase replication

• Is built on top of the versioning environment
• Supports the full geodatabase data model, including topologies and geometric networks
• Can work in an asynchronous model (The replication is loosely coupled so that each replicated geodatabase can work independently and still synchronize changes with one another.)
• Does not require a uniform DBMS across replicas
• Works in a connected or disconnected environment
• Can utilize local geodatabase connections as well as geodata services (through ArcGIS for Server) to access the geodatabase over the Internet

Please refer to the following podcasts for more information

• Geodatabase Replication: An Overview [MP3]
• Geodatabase Replication: Working with Replication [MP3]

Please refer to the following white paper for more information:

• An Overview of Distributing Data with Geodatabases

Geodatabase Archiving

Geodatabase archiving allows you to record and access changes made to all or a subset of data in a versioned geodatabase. Using it, you can capture, manage, and analyze data changes.

Within a multiuser geodatabase, ArcGIS provides

• A framework to archive data that captures all changes in the DEFAULT version of the geodatabase
• An additional archive class preserving transactional history
• A record of the change at the moment edits are saved or posted to the DEFAULT version

Please refer to the following archiving podcasts for more information:

• Geodatabase Archiving: Introduction to Concepts and Capabilities [MP3]
• Geodatabase Archiving: Working with Archived Data [MP3]