Which database has better support for spatial data: Postgresql or MySQL?

When it comes to working with spatial data in a relational database, both PostgreSQL and MySQL have their pros and cons. However, in general, PostgreSQL has better support for spatial data than MySQL.

PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL has a built-in spatial data type called geometry, which supports a wide range of spatial data operations, such as spatial indexing, distance calculations, and intersection testing. In addition, PostgreSQL has several extensions that provide even more advanced spatial data capabilities, such as PostGIS and pgRouting.

MySQL

MySQL also has support for spatial data, but it is less comprehensive than PostgreSQL. MySQL supports a spatial data type called GEOMETRY, which provides basic spatial data operations such as distance calculations and intersection testing. However, MySQL lacks support for more advanced spatial data capabilities such as spatial indexing, making it less efficient for working with large datasets.

Conclusion

Overall, if you need to work extensively with spatial data, PostgreSQL is likely the better choice. Its built-in geometry type and various extensions provide more advanced spatial data capabilities than MySQL's GEOMETRY type. However, if you only need basic spatial data functionality, such as distance calculations and intersection testing, MySQL may suffice.