MySQL raises ER_GIS_UNKNOWN_ERROR (SQLSTATE HY000, error 3035) when a spatial function encounters an unexpected internal failure that MySQL cannot classify under a more specific GIS error code.
MySQL ER_GIS_UNKNOWN_ERROR appears when a spatial (GIS) function fails for an unknown internal reason. Check function arguments, SRIDs, and data integrity, then upgrade or recompile geometry columns. Usually fixed by correcting invalid geometries or upgrading to a patched MySQL version.
ER_GIS_UNKNOWN_ERROR
MySQL throws ER_GIS_UNKNOWN_ERROR when a spatial function such as ST_Distance or ST_Intersects fails in a way that MySQL cannot map to a specific GIS error category.
The message often surfaces during complex geometry calculations, SRID conversions, or when corrupted spatial data exists in a table.
Because the error masks the real root cause, engineers must investigate geometry validity, SRIDs, data types, and MySQL version bugs.
Invalid or self-intersecting geometries frequently trigger unknown GIS failures, especially in functions that rely on topology rules.
Mismatched SRIDs between input geometries cause internal coordinate transformation errors that bubble up as ER_GIS_UNKNOWN_ERROR.
Running spatial queries on versions earlier than 8.0.20 can expose engine bugs resolved in later releases.
First validate every geometry with ST_IsValid. Repair or recreate invalid shapes using ST_MakeValid or by re-importing clean data.
Ensure both operands in a spatial operation share the same SRID; convert with ST_Transform when necessary.
If the error persists, test on a newer MySQL build; many unknown GIS issues were patched after 8.0.20.
During bulk imports, shapefiles containing bowtie polygons often insert fine but fail later; running ST_MakeValid immediately after load prevents surprises.
Applications that mix WGS84 (4326) and Web Mercator (3857) coordinates may hit this error; normalizing SRIDs in the query eliminates the problem.
Upgrading from 5.7 to 8.0 can expose legacy invalid data; a one-time geometry rebuild with CREATE TABLE ... SELECT fixes hidden corruption.
Always validate spatial data on ingestion and reject invalid shapes early.
Store SRID metadata consistently and document it in your schema or with Galaxy Collections so teammates reuse the correct reference system.
Use Galaxy's AI copilot to auto-generate ST_Transform wrappers, reducing manual SRID mistakes that lead to unknown GIS failures.
ER_GIS_INVALID_DATA (3037) indicates clearly invalid geometry rather than an unknown issue; validating data usually solves it.
ER_GIS_SRID_MISMATCH (3020) arises when SRIDs differ; converting SRID resolves it directly.
ER_GIS_UNSUPPORTED_ARGUMENT (3021) flags bad parameter counts or types; correcting the function call syntax fixes it.
Self-intersections, bowtie polygons, and zero-area rings disrupt spatial algorithms and surface as unknown errors.
Spatial operations require matching SRIDs; hidden mismatches cause internal conversion failures.
Older MySQL builds had unresolved GIS defects; upgrading often removes ER_GIS_UNKNOWN_ERROR.
Crash recovery or disk issues can corrupt R-tree indexes, leading to unpredictable GIS failures.
Occurs when geometries have different SRIDs; convert SRID to solve.
Indicates geometry is structurally invalid, unlike the unknown category.
Raised when a spatial function receives incorrect argument types or counts.
Usually but not always; engine bugs can also raise it. Validate data first, then test on a newer MySQL build.
Versions 5.7.5 through 8.0.19 reported the highest incidence due to early GIS rewrites.
Yes. Galaxy's AI copilot can scan tables with ST_IsValid and surface problem rows in the editor.
Explicit SRID columns improve transparency and reduce mismatch errors that morph into unknown GIS failures.
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