MySQL raises ER_DIMENSION_UNSUPPORTED (error 3073, SQLSTATE HY000) when a geometry function receives data with more coordinate dimensions than the function supports.
ER_DIMENSION_UNSUPPORTED (MySQL error 3073) means a geometry function got too many coordinate dimensions. Ensure your spatial data matches the function’s expected dimension count, then rerun the query.
ER_DIMENSION_UNSUPPORTED
MySQL throws ER_DIMENSION_UNSUPPORTED when a spatial function, such as ST_AsText or ST_Distance, receives geometry data with more coordinate dimensions than the function can process. The message states how many dimensions it found versus how many it expected.
The error appears in versions 5.7.5 and later, typically during GIS operations on POINT, LINESTRING, or POLYGON objects stored in spatial columns.
A mismatch between the geometry’s dimensionality and the function’s capabilities triggers the error. Most MySQL spatial functions only support two-dimensional XY coordinates.
It can also happen when 3D or 4D WKT/WKB literals are inserted into a 2D spatial column without prior validation.
Validate geometry before calling the function. Convert or strip extra Z/M coordinates so the object becomes 2D.
Use ST_Force2D or ST_Flatten if available, or rebuild the geometry with explicit XY points.
Importing third-party GIS data often introduces 3D LINESTRING Z coordinates. Clean the data by removing the Z axis before storage.
Dynamic calculations that append a measurement (M) value to POINT geometries will fail in aggregate functions; drop the M dimension first.
Store only validated 2D geometries in MySQL spatial columns unless you rely on MySQL 8.0 functions that explicitly support 3D.
Add CHECK constraints to block objects whose ST_Dimension equals 3 or 4. Galaxy’s AI copilot can audit incoming INSERT statements and flag non-compliant geometries during code review.
ER_GIS_INVALID_DATA (error 3037) surfaces when geometry format is wrong. Ensure WKT/WKB strings are well-formed.
ER_GIS_UNKNOWN_ERROR (error 3038) appears on generic spatial failures; examine the input geometry with ST_IsValid to isolate issues.
Loading geometries defined with Z or M coordinates into functions that expect XY values causes the dimension mismatch.
PostGIS often stores 3D objects. Directly copying those rows into MySQL without conversion raises ER_DIMENSION_UNSUPPORTED.
Custom SQL that builds geometries with ST_PointFromText('POINT Z ...') inadvertently introduces unsupported dimensions.
Raised when geometry input is malformed rather than high-dimensional.
Generic spatial failure that often masks dimension issues; investigate with ST_IsValid.
Occurs when the spatial reference system is missing; unrelated to dimensions but appears in similar GIS workflows.
As of MySQL 8.0, only limited 3D support exists and many core functions remain 2D-only. Check function documentation before storing Z or M values.
No. MySQL enforces dimension compatibility for spatial integrity. Instead, transform the data to 2D or use a compatible function.
MySQL 5.7.5 introduced stricter GIS validation. Existing tables containing 3D data will now trigger the error during function calls.
Galaxy’s AI copilot highlights spatial queries that may pass 3D data into 2D functions and suggests applying ST_Force2D before execution.
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