To support real-time and big data workflows, ArcGIS 10.5 introduced a new data store: the . Built on Apache HBase (a NoSQL database), the STBDS was designed for high-velocity writes (ingesting thousands of events per second) and efficient time-range queries. Unlike a traditional relational geodatabase, the STBDS automatically partitioned data by time and space, allowing GeoAnalytics Server to rapidly scan only relevant partitions. This solved a long-standing problem: how to store streaming data without overwhelming a transactional database. However, the STBDS was not a replacement for the enterprise geodatabase; it was complementary, optimized for observational data (tracks, logs, sensor readings) rather than authoritative features (parcels, roads, zoning).
This was the star of the show. The architecture consisted of four core components:
Previously, processing a national Landsat mosaic required a high-end local machine or custom scripts. With 10.5, you could run Generate Raster Analytics as a server-side service. It introduced distributed processing for terrain and imagery tasks.
Have a specific question about migrating your legacy ArcGIS 10.5 server? Contact our team at GIS Analytics Hub for a systems audit.