Emerging Database Systems in Support of Scientific Data

Abstract

Abstract. This chapter surveys and discusses the evolution of a certain class of database architectures, more recently referred to as "vertical databases". The topics discussed in this chapter include the evolution of storage structures from the 1970"s till now, data compression techniques, and query processing techniques for single-and multi-variable queries in vertical databases. Next, the chapter covers in detail the architecture and design considerations of a particular (open source) vertical database system, called MonetDB. This is followed by an example of using MonetDB for the SkyServer data, and the query processing improvements it offers.