To move an enterprise geodatabase to a new server while keeping it intact, theRDBMS export/importprocess is the appropriate method.
1. Why Use RDBMS Export/Import?
* Enterprise geodatabases are tightly integrated with the underlying RDBMS (e.g., SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Oracle). Exporting and importing the entire database ensures that:
* All geodatabase configurations (e.g., tables, indexes, metadata) are preserved.
* No data integrity is lost during the migration process.
* This method maintains the geodatabase's structure and relationships.
2. Why Not Other Options?
* Export to File Geodatabase:
* While exporting to a file geodatabase allows for data transfer, it does not preserve the enterprise geodatabase structure, including user permissions, versioning, and replication configurations.
* Two-Way Replication:
* Replication is designed for synchronizing data changes between geodatabases, not for moving an entire geodatabase to a new server. It may also leave some administrative configurations behind.
3. Steps for RDBMS Export/Import
* Export the Database:
* Use the RDBMS tools (e.g., pg_dump for PostgreSQL, SQL Server Management Studio) to create a full backup of the geodatabase.
* Ensure all related schemas, indexes, and metadata are included.
* Import to the New Server:
* Set up the RDBMS on the new server and configure it for enterprise geodatabases.
* Import the backup file to restore the geodatabase on the new server.
* Post-Migration Steps:
* Reconfigure connections in ArcGIS Pro or ArcGIS Server to point to the new geodatabase.
* Test to ensure all functionality works as expected.
References from Esri Documentation and Learning Resources:
* Backing Up and Restoring an Enterprise Geodatabase
* RDBMS Tools for Backup and Restore
Conclusion:
TheRDBMS export/importprocess ensures a complete migration of the enterprise geodatabase to a new server while preserving all configurations and data integrity.