DISCUSSION TEST 1

DUARATION: 2hrs
Question 1
a) Precisely differentiate between a database, database management system and GIS .
(5marks)
b) Illustrate your understanding of the following terminologies and their essence In database
and database development.(2.5marks each)
I. database schema
II. encapsulation
c) what do you understand by the term traditional file based system and give the advantages
and disadvantages of traditional file based systems and databases(10marks)

Question 2
a) Elaborate your understanding of a data model using 3 examples of data models(10marks)
b) How is a SDMS different from a GIS? (6marks)
c) Give the advantages of object oriented database management system model (4marks)

Question 3
a) Define the following terms (1marks each)
I. Cardinality of a relation
II. Degree of a relationship
III. Mandatory and optional participation
IV. A tuple
V. Primary key
VI. Foreign concepts
VII. Relation schema
VIII. Entities
IX. Attributes
X. Attribute constraints
XI. Tuple constraint.
XII. Redundancy
XIII. Database integrity
XIV. Multiplicity
XV. Participation
b) Why is the process of database design considered iterative? (5marks)

Question 4
a) Define the term data modelling and state clearly what the process of spatial database
design involves (2marks)
b) Give your understanding of the different levels of abstraction of GIS (5marks)
c) State the concerns at the different stages of database design (3marks)
d) The table below shows features at different relational database design stages. Tick in
which model a specific feature falls (10marks)
 Feature Conceptual Logical Physical
entity relationship
primary key
Table names
Column name
Entity names
Foreign keys
Table name
Column data type

DISCUSSION TEST 2
Question 1
a) What is an ERD? (2marks) elaborate your understanding of the main constructs used In
ERDs (6marks)
b) Using a land cadaster as an example, explain the type of relationship that exists between
objects and the logical data model.(3marks)
c) What is meta data and what is its relevance in data management?(4marks)

Question 2
a) What are integrity constraints? (2marks)
b) Using examples, differentiate between implicit, explicit and deduced integrity constraints.
(9marks)
c) Differentiate between key integrity, tuple integrity and referential integrity. (6marks)
d) Explain what a super key is and the golden rule foe keys. (3marks)

Question 3
Database designing s a process that involves explicit stages. Discuss the process of rational
database design and the involved stages using an example of your choice (20marks)
Question 4
Define the following terms
I. Participation and the different types of participation.
II. Multiplicity and with examples explain the different types of multiplicities.
III. Degrees of a relationship and explain the different types of degrees of relationships.