What type of data format is an FGDB in ArcGIS?

An FGDB (File Geodatabase) in ArcGIS is a type of object-relational database that allows for the storage and management of geographic data. This format is designed to efficiently manage both spatial and attribute data, supporting complex data types such as feature classes for vector data and raster datasets. Object-relational databases combine the traditional capabilities of relational databases with support for object-oriented features, allowing for a more flexible and powerful way to handle geographic information.

By utilizing an FGDB, users can store multiple datasets within a single folder structure while benefiting from enhanced performance, scalability, and data integrity compared to other formats. The ability to manage different types of geographic data, enforce relationships between data, and utilize geodatabase behaviors such as versioning and topology are key advantages of using an object-relational database like an FGDB in ArcGIS.