A review of the PostGIS spatial database system.  The theory of operation, spatial
database concepts, installation, 
tuning, examples of use and applicatations will be covered.  A good workshop for
beginners and new users 
wanting to learn more about spatial databases in general and PostGIS in particular.

This workshop starts with installation of the PostGIS spatial database extension,
then moves on to topics like 
geometry representation, indexing, loading data, accessing data, and indexing.

Basic principles of operation, like spatial SQL functions, index usage, and
performance issues will be covered.  
Using PostGIS with the Mapserver internet mapping application will also be covered,
including examples of 
simple and more advanced spatial database queries in Mapserver.

In addition to providing a step-by-step walk through a large number of PostGIS and
Mapserver configurations, 
this workshop provides a jumping off point for a number of other topics that students
can follow-up on 
independantly, such as advanced SQL, database tuning, and database client
applications in general.