What's the Best SQL Server Data Type for Storing Latitude and Longitude Double Values?

Representing Double Values in SQL Server

In SQL Server, the appropriate data type for representing double values depends on the precision required. For storage consistency, let's explore the most suitable options and their differences.

Consideration of Precision

Given the nature of latitude and longitude values, it is crucial to prioritize precision. The double type in C# is a 64-bit floating-point type, allowing for a large range of values with high accuracy.

float or decimal

SQL Server offers two data types for storing double-like values: float and decimal. The float type represents a 64-bit floating-point value, making it an ideal choice for double precision. Alternatively, decimal can store exact decimal values with a specified precision and scale, providing even greater precision.

Best Choice for Latitude and Longitude

Based on accuracy requirements, the float type is the best choice for storing latitude and longitude values in SQL Server. It offers the necessary precision without excessive rounding that could diminish accuracy.

Variations of float

Alongside the standard float type, SQL Server provides float(53), which essentially represents the same precision. There is also the real type, equivalent to float(24) and offering lower precision.

Old-School Option

For nostalgic purposes, you may consider the real type as an alternative to float. However, it offers a lower precision than float(53).

Decimal vs. C# "decimal"

It's important to note that the decimal type in SQL Server differs from the "decimal" data type in C#. SQL Server's decimal represents exact decimal numbers, while C#'s "decimal" is akin to a 128-bit floating-point number, differing in their fundamental representation.

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