PostGIS Help

Troubleshooting Common Issues

I can’t log in to pgAdmin.

This usually happens if your password is incorrect or expired.

Fix: Go to your product’s Product Details page and click Get Password next to the pgAdmin URL to retrieve fresh credentials.

pgAdmin connects but my database is empty.

Sometimes users open the wrong server or database inside pgAdmin.

Fix: Expand the correct server, then open Databases → kartoza_postgis.

My SQL query returns no results.

This can occur if your geometry SRIDs do not match or if the spatial function used is invalid for your data type.

Fix: Check SRIDs using SELECT ST_SRID(geom) and transform if needed.

My geometry looks correct but spatial joins return wrong results.

This often happens when geometries are invalid (self-intersections, bowties, gaps).

Fix: Validate using SELECT ST_IsValid(geom) and repair using ST_MakeValid(geom).

My layer won't load in QGIS using the PostGIS connection.

This can happen if SSL settings or host details are incorrect.

Fix: Copy the exact host, port, database name, username, and password from your product details.

Spatial queries are very slow.

Missing spatial indexes or complex geometries can slow performance.

Fix: Create indexes using CREATE INDEX ... USING GIST(geom); and simplify large geometries if appropriate.

I imported a Shapefile but no geometry appears.

This often happens when the geometry column name is not geom or the SRID is missing.

Fix: Ensure your geometry column exists, then assign an SRID using ST_SetSRID() if required.

pgAdmin shows “server not responding.”

Network firewalls or VPNs can block access.

Fix: Disable VPN/proxy or try another network. If hosting restricts IP ranges, request your IP to be allowed.

My uploaded data shows incorrect coordinates.

This is usually caused by using latitude/longitude in the wrong order.

Fix: Ensure point creation follows ST_Point(longitude, latitude).

I can’t delete a table in PostGIS.

Active dependencies (views, foreign keys, raster overviews) may prevent deletion.

Fix: Drop or update dependent objects using DROP ... CASCADE if safe to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What software do I get with the hosted PostGIS product?

Your subscription includes a fully managed instance of PostgreSQL, PostGIS, and a web-accessible pgAdmin interface.

Can I connect to my database from QGIS?

Yes. Use QGIS's PostgreSQL/PostGIS connection panel and enter the host, port, database name, user, and password from your product details.

How do I upload data to PostGIS?

You can upload data using pgAdmin’s Query Tool, import tools in QGIS, or command-line utilities like shp2pgsql and ogr2ogr.

Does PostGIS support raster data?

Yes. PostGIS supports raster storage and analysis through postgis_raster. You can import rasters using raster2pgsql.

Can I share my database with teammates?

Yes. Additional user accounts can be created with different permission levels.

How do I change my pgAdmin password?

In pgAdmin, click the User menu → Change Password, then enter your current and new passwords.

Can I migrate my existing local PostgreSQL/PostGIS database to the hosted one?

Yes. You can migrate using tools like pg_dump and pg_restore, or export/import through QGIS. Ensure extensions exist on the target before restoring.

Can I run SQL scripts directly?

Yes. Use pgAdmin → Tools → Query Tool to run SQL scripts, create tables, or execute spatial queries.

Does PostGIS support all spatial reference systems?

Nearly all EPSG codes are supported. You can check available SRIDs in spatial_ref_sys.

Can I use my PostGIS database with a web application?

Yes. PostGIS works with frameworks such as Django, Node.js, GeoServer, QGIS Server, and Mapbox GL JS through standard PostgreSQL connections.

Getting Support

If you run into an issue or need assistance, the best place to start is the Support Center page in the Users section.

There, you’ll find clear instructions on how to log a support ticket, including what information to provide so the team can assist you efficiently.

By using the official support system, your request will be properly tracked and routed to the right people, helping you get a faster and more accurate response.