Generic time series databases store values – TopoDB understands measurement data.
In detail:
Storage: TopoDB stores values in binary files with chained blocks whose
size adapts dynamically to the amount of data; an index enables very fast read and write
access. A time series with 2.3 million value pairs occupies 18.5 MB – in QuestDB it is
320 MB (17×), while InfluxDB keeps the data in RAM and uses Apache Parquet, which
directly affects write performance (see benchmarks).
Raw data and qualities: TopoDB stores changes in higher editing levels
without touching the raw data – and only where they occur. On reading, the levels are merged
automatically. In InfluxDB or QuestDB you would need parallel tables and move all the
management into the application.
Attributes instead of schema conventions: Every time series carries its
own attribute set (unit, measured quantity, station, aggregation, sub-location …). With
InfluxDB and QuestDB the application has to mix such information in itself.
Time series instead of value pairs: TopoDB manages time series, not just
value pairs. Via TopoFlix you can directly query whether daily temperature means exist or
only daily maxima – without relying on the application's naming conventions.