Re: PostgreSQL with PostGIS on embedded hardware

>
>
>> -----Mensaje original-----
>> De: Paolo Rizzi
>>
>> Hi all,
>> recently I came across a question from a customer of mine,
>> asking me if it would feasible to run PostgreSQL along with
>> PostGIS on embedded hardware.
>> They didn't give me complete information, but it should be
>> some kind of industrial PC with a 600MHz CPU. Memory should
>> be not huge nor small, maybe a couple of GBytes, hard disk
>> should be some type of industrial Compact Flash of maybe 16 GBytes.
>>
>> They are thinking about using this setup on-board of public
>> buses and trams, along with a GPS receiver, for
>> self-localization. So that when the bus or tram enters
>> defined zones or passes near defined points, events are triggered.
>> The database could probably be used completely read-only or
>> almost that.
>>
>
> Hi Paolo,
>
> I'm not really responding to your question. It happens that I collaborated
> on a postgres/postgis based solution for public transportation and the
> motive why you are trying to put the database in the embedded hardware is
> puzzling to me. In this solution we used a centralized PG database, the
> devices in buses captured geographical position and other business related
> data and fetched it by cellular network to the central server.
> Calculations on position where made on the server and related events where
> fetched back accordingly.
>
> If possible, I would like to know what drives you to put a database on each
> device? You dont have a wireless link on each unit?
Indeed I was as puzzled as you when they described me their idea, but I
think it makes sense. The buses and trams have to be independent of the
radio link because there are certain operations that have to performed
at the right moment in the right place (like oiling wheels or letting
down sand or salt or some other action).
However they _are_ going to use a centralized server, and putting the
same technology (PostgreSQL/PostGIS) both on-board and on-center, would
let them simplify development, configuration and maintenance.
Now that hardware is continuously getting cheaper and more powerful,
moving "intelligence" on-board may be a smart move...

>
>
>> What performances do you think would be possible for
>> PostgreSQL+PostGIS on such hardware???
>
> We never considered that solution so I couldn´t say.
In fact I searched the Web and found nobody that did that before :-)

>
>> Bye
>> Paolo
>>
>
> Regards,
> Fernando.

Bye
Paolo