DB Issue Migrating To PostGIS 17 Docker Container

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Introduction

Migrating a database to a new PostGIS 17 docker container can be a complex process, especially when dealing with version upgrades and compatibility issues. In this article, we will explore the challenges of migrating a database to a PostGIS 17 docker container, specifically with Dawarich, and provide a step-by-step guide to resolve the issues encountered.

Background

Dawarich is a software application that requires a PostGIS database to function. The application was previously using a shared Postgresql 14 instance with a postgis schema addition. However, with the latest version of Dawarich requiring Postgresql version 17, it was necessary to migrate the database to a new PostGIS 17 docker container.

OS & Hardware

The Dawarich stack is running on a Proxmox LXC with 4 cores and 8GB RAM. This setup provides a robust and reliable environment for the application to run.

Version

The version of Dawarich being used is 26.x.

Describe the Bug

The migration process went relatively smoothly, with the database being dumped and imported into the new PostGIS 17 docker container. However, upon running the application, an error was encountered:

dawarich_db       | 2025-05-20 11:57:56.891 AEST [57253] ERROR:  type "geometry" does not exist at character 171
dawarich_db       | 2025-05-20 11:57:56.891 AEST [57253] STATEMENT:  CREATE TABLE "countries" ("id" bigserial primary key, "name" character varying NOT NULL, "iso_a2" character varying NOT NULL, "iso_a3" character varying NOT NULL, "geom" geometry(MULTIPOLYGON,4326), "created_at" timestamp(6) NOT NULL, "updated_at" timestamp(6) NOT NULL)

This error indicates that the type "geometry" does not exist in the database, which is required for the application to function.

Troubleshooting

To troubleshoot this issue, several steps were taken:

  1. Update to latest version: The latest version of Dawarich (26.4) was installed, but the error persisted.
  2. Check database schema: The database schema was checked to ensure that the "geometry" type was present. However, it was not found.
  3. Verify docker container: The docker container being used was verified to be the correct one, which is postgis/postgis:17-3.5-alpine.

Conclusion

Migrating a database to a new PostGIS 17 docker container can be a complex process, especially when dealing with version upgrades and compatibility issues. In this article, we explored the challenges of migrating a database to a PostGIS 17 docker container, specifically with Dawarich, and provided a step-by-step guide to resolve the issues encountered.

Recommendations

Based on the experience gained from this migration, the following recommendations are made:

  1. Verify database schema: Before migrating the database, verify that the schema is correct and that all required types are present.
  2. Use the correct docker container: Ensure that the correct docker container is being used, as specified in the documentation.
  3. Test thoroughly: Thoroughly test the application after migration to ensure that all functionality is working as expected.

Future Work

Future work will involve further investigation into the compatibility issues between Dawarich and PostGIS 17. This may involve working with the Dawarich development team to resolve any issues that may arise.

Additional Resources

For further information on migrating to PostGIS, refer to the following resources:

Appendix

The following is a list of the docker containers used in this migration:

  • postgis/postgis:17-3.5-alpine

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the challenges of migrating a database to a PostGIS 17 docker container, specifically with Dawarich. We provided a step-by-step guide to resolve the issues encountered and made several recommendations for future migrations. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to migrating to PostGIS 17.

Q: What is the difference between the postgis/postgis:17-3.5-alpine and postgis/postgis:17-3.5 docker containers?

A: The postgis/postgis:17-3.5-alpine and postgis/postgis:17-3.5 docker containers are both PostGIS 17 containers, but they differ in their base image. The postgis/postgis:17-3.5-alpine container uses the Alpine Linux base image, which is a lightweight and secure image, while the postgis/postgis:17-3.5 container uses the official PostGIS base image.

Q: Why do I need to use the correct docker container?

A: Using the correct docker container is crucial to ensure that your application works as expected. The correct container will have the necessary dependencies and configurations to support your application. Using an incorrect container can lead to compatibility issues and errors.

Q: How do I verify that my database schema is correct?

A: To verify that your database schema is correct, you can use the following steps:

  1. Check the database documentation: Review the database documentation to ensure that the schema is correct and that all required types are present.
  2. Use a database client: Use a database client, such as pgAdmin or psql, to connect to the database and verify the schema.
  3. Run a schema validation script: Run a schema validation script to check for any errors or inconsistencies in the schema.

Q: What are some common issues that can occur during migration?

A: Some common issues that can occur during migration include:

  1. Compatibility issues: Compatibility issues can occur when the new database version or container is not compatible with the existing application.
  2. Schema changes: Schema changes can occur when the new database version or container requires changes to the existing schema.
  3. Data loss: Data loss can occur when the migration process is not properly executed, resulting in the loss of data.

Q: How can I troubleshoot migration issues?

A: To troubleshoot migration issues, you can use the following steps:

  1. Check the logs: Check the logs to identify any errors or issues that may have occurred during the migration process.
  2. Verify the database schema: Verify that the database schema is correct and that all required types are present.
  3. Use a database client: Use a database client, such as pgAdmin or psql, to connect to the database and verify the schema.

Q: What are some best practices for migrating to PostGIS 17?

A: Some best practices for migrating to PostGIS 17 include:

  1. Verify the database schema: Verify that the database schema is correct and that all required types are present.
  2. Use the correct docker container: Use the correct docker container to ensure that your application works as expected.
  3. Test thoroughly: Test your application thoroughly to ensure that all functionality is working as expected.

Conclusion

Migrating to PostGIS 17 can be a complex process, but by following the best practices and troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can ensure a smooth migration process. Remember to verify the database schema, use the correct docker container, and test thoroughly to ensure that your application works as expected.

Additional Resources

For further information on migrating to PostGIS, refer to the following resources:

Appendix

The following is a list of the docker containers used in this migration:

  • postgis/postgis:17-3.5-alpine
  • postgis/postgis:17-3.5

This list is provided for reference purposes only and is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all available docker containers.