What field type should be used to store latitude and longitude coordinates in a database?

Study for the GIS Professional Certification Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Get ready for your certification!

The best choice for storing latitude and longitude coordinates in a database is the Double field type. This is because double-precision floating-point numbers provide a sufficient range and precision to accurately represent the decimal values of geographic coordinates. Latitude and longitude are typically expressed in decimal degrees, which can involve fractions and require precision beyond whole numbers, particularly since the Earth's surface can involve very small degree differences.

Using a Double allows for precise storage of these decimal values without the risk of rounding errors that can occur with integer types. Integers could only store whole numbers, which would lose the necessary detail for accurate geographical positioning. Boolean is meant for true/false conditions and is not suitable for storing numerical data. Though text could be used to store coordinates as strings, this would hinder efficient querying and calculations that numerical types support. Therefore, double-precision is the most appropriate option for storing latitude and longitude coordinates effectively in a database.

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