When you ACTUALLY need PostGIS (and when you don’t)
If you’re running a quick, one-off analysis (no updates, no long-term storage) stick to files in your desktop GIS, single node database like SedonaDB, or a Python workflow. Fast, simple, done.
But if you need to revisit that data, keep it updated, or share it then a database becomes your friend. PostGIS lets you store, back up, and manage data easily, whether on your machine or in the cloud.
And if you’re on a team, it’s a no brainer. Collaboration, data access control, and structure all require a database. Just know someone will need to manage it.
Think of it like this: one-time job = files. Ongoing or team work = PostGIS