What type of data model does a geodatabase utilize?

A geodatabase primarily employs an object-oriented data model, which allows for the representation of complex relationships and behaviors of spatial data. This model provides a way to incorporate not only geographic features, such as points, lines, and polygons, but also their attributes, spatial behaviors, and relationships.

In an object-oriented data model, data is organized into objects that combine both data and methods, thus enabling more sophisticated data management practices and making it easier to model real-world entities that have both attributes and behaviors. This is particularly beneficial in GIS, where features on a map can be represented as objects that maintain both their spatial characteristics and associated information, facilitating advanced spatial analysis and data manipulation.

While other data models, such as the relational data model, are widely used in databases to manage tabular data, they do not inherently support the complex structures and relationships required for effective spatial data representation. The hierarchical and text-based data models similarly lack the adaptability and comprehensive nature that the object-oriented model provides for handling geographic information efficiently. The object-oriented approach is particularly advantageous in the context of GIS, where rich data types and complex interrelations are commonplace.