Configure GeoNetwork with postgreSQL

Ditch the Defaults: Setting Up GeoNetwork with PostgreSQL Like a Pro

GeoNetwork. It’s a seriously powerful, open-source tool for wrangling and sharing geospatial data. Now, out of the box, it uses this little embedded H2 database. Fine for kicking the tires, but if you’re planning on actually using it? You’re gonna want to level up to something like PostgreSQL. Trust me on this.

Why PostgreSQL, you ask? Well, let’s just say it’s like trading in your bicycle for a monster truck when it comes to handling data. We’re talking serious scalability – it can chew through massive datasets and handle a whole horde of users without breaking a sweat. Plus, it’s rock-solid reliable, with all sorts of fancy features to keep your data safe and sound. And the cherry on top? Slap on the PostGIS extension, and suddenly you’ve got this spatial data powerhouse that makes searching and indexing a breeze. Forget clunky shapefiles; this is the real deal. I remember back when I was wrestling with shapefiles and… well, let’s just say I aged a few years in the process. PostgreSQL with PostGIS? Wish I’d known about it then!

Okay, so you’re sold. Let’s get down to brass tacks. Here’s what you’ll need before we dive in:

• A PostgreSQL server that’s up and running. Pretty self-explanatory, right? Get it installed and make sure it’s purring.
• GeoNetwork already installed. Ideally, you’ve got it running on Tomcat or some other respectable application server.
• The right JDBC driver. GeoNetwork usually comes with one, but double-check that the PostgreSQL JDBC driver is chilling in the $CATALINA_HOME/webapps/geonetwork/WEB-INF/lib directory. Just a quick sanity check.

Alright, ready to roll? The basic idea is this: we’re going to create a database and user in PostgreSQL, then tell GeoNetwork to use that database instead of its default. If you’re feeling adventurous (and you should be!), we’ll also enable PostGIS for some serious spatial mojo.

Step 1: Forge Your PostgreSQL Database and User

First things first, log in to your PostgreSQL server as someone with superpowers (like the postgres user). Then, whip up a dedicated database and user just for GeoNetwork:

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