ER_GIS_UNKNOWN_EXCEPTION indicates that a MySQL spatial (GIS) function threw an unexpected internal error while processing geometry data.
ER_GIS_UNKNOWN_EXCEPTION (MySQL error 3036) means a spatial function failed due to an internal GIS error. Validate or repair invalid geometries, use supported SRIDs, and upgrade to a stable MySQL version to resolve the issue.
ER_GIS_UNKNOWN_EXCEPTION
MySQL throws error 3036 with condition name ER_GIS_UNKNOWN_EXCEPTION when a spatial function such as ST_Intersection or ST_Buffer hits an unexpected internal failure. The server intercepts the exception and surfaces this generic GIS error instead of a more specific message.
The error was introduced in MySQL 5.7.5 alongside the new GIS engine. It appears at execution time, not during parsing, so queries compile but fail when the spatial routine runs.
The most common trigger is invalid or corrupt geometry input. Functions expect well-formed, valid geometries that respect OGC rules. Self-intersecting polygons or incorrect ring orientation often break the engine.
Using an unsupported or mismatched SRID can also crash the GIS layer. Internal numeric overflow, memory exhaustion, or unresolved bugs in older MySQL builds round out the usual suspects.
First validate the input geometries with ST_IsValid and ST_SRID. If invalid, repair them using ST_MakeValid or recreate the data. Next, verify that all geometries share the same supported SRID. Finally, test on the latest MySQL patch version, because many GIS bugs were fixed after 5.7.5.
Bulk loading shapefiles sometimes yields hidden geometry errors. Run a post-import cleanup script that checks validity and SRIDs before production use.
Complex buffers on tiny geometries may overflow internal numeric limits. Lower the buffer distance or simplify the geometry first.
Always validate and standardize spatial data on ingestion. Store SRID with a NOT NULL constraint and default value. Monitor the MySQL error log for recurring GIS issues and keep servers patched to the latest GA release.
Errors 3037 (ER_GIS_DATA_WRONG_ENDIANESS) and 3038 (ER_GIS_DATA_CANT_PARSE_WKB) often appear alongside 3036 when the root cause is corrupted geometry. The same validation and repair steps usually fix them.
Self-intersecting polygons, empty geometry collections, or non-closed rings violate OGC standards and crash spatial functions.
Running a function on geometries with different or unsupported spatial reference identifiers leads to undefined internal state and the error.
Large or complex geometries can exhaust memory or trigger numeric overflow inside the GIS engine, causing an unknown exception.
Early 5.7 and 8.0 releases contained GIS bugs that surface as generic unknown exceptions. Upgrading usually resolves them.
Raised when WKB byte order is incorrect. Validate import tools.
Indicates MySQL could not parse the geometry binary. Check data integrity.
Occurs when geometry violates OGC standards. Similar validation steps fix it.
Usually the root cause is invalid geometry, but resource limits or server bugs can also trigger it. Always validate data first, then test on a patched MySQL build.
No. The exception means MySQL skipped or aborted part of the computation. Ignoring it risks silent data loss or incorrect results.
Galaxy highlights runtime errors instantly in its editor, lets you run validation queries side by side, and share repaired SQL so teams use only clean geometries.
Yes. Many GIS bugs disappear after upgrading. Always combine the upgrade with geometry validation for a complete solution.
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