I have a PostgreSQL table, with almost 2 million rows, with a long-lat coordinates
field in the form POINT(-73.4938 33.2405)
.
Supposing there's a geospatial index on that field, what's the most efficient, fastest way to select all the rows within an arbitrary bounding box?
The box is like SW long-lat: -74.0042 40.7688
, NE long-lat: -73.8809 40.7984
.
Best Answer
Assuming the given bounding box limits are in the same spatial reference system as the stored coordinates, and you know which spatial operator (intersects or contained by) you need:
Alternatively, if you prefer the sound of "contains" (instead of "contained by") the
WHERE
clause should be flipped:PS: Given (by OP after the above was posted) that the records are simple points, I think that the difference between "intersects" and "containment" becomes very subtle, affecting only the points on the edges of the bounding box.