Getting ready

In this recipe, we will create a database and install PostGIS in its own schema. We will also load some geometries and rasters for future use by other recipes in this chapter.

The following are the two methods to create a PostGIS-enabled database:

  • Using the CREATE EXTENSION statement
  • Running the installation SQL scripts with a PostgreSQL client

The CREATE EXTENSION method is available if you are running PostgreSQL 9.1 or a later version and is the recommended method for installing PostGIS:

  1. Visit the following link to download the shapefiles for California schools and police stations: http://scec.usc.edu/internships/useit/content/california-emergency-facilities-shapefile.

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