Pyramidal Framework: Guidance for the Next Generation of GIS Spatial-Temporal Models

Abstract

Over the last decade, innovative computer technologies and the multiplication of geospatial data acquisition solutions have transformed the geographic information systems (GIS) landscape and opened up new opportunities to close the gap between GIS and the dynamics of geographic phenomena. There is a demand to further develop spatio-temporal conceptual models to comprehensively represent the nature of the evolution of geographic objects. The latter involves a set of considerations like those related to managing changes and object identities, modeling possible causal relations, and integrating multiple interpretations. While conventional literature generally presents these concepts separately and rarely approaches them from a holistic perspective, they are in fact interrelated. Therefore, we believe that the semantics of modeling would be improved by considering these concepts jointly. In this work, we propose to represent these interrelationships in the form of a hierarchical pyramidal framework and to further explore this set of concepts. The objective of this framework is to provide a guideline to orient the design of future generations of GIS data models, enabling them to achieve a better representation of available spatio-temporal data. In addition, this framework aims at providing keys for a new interpretation and classification of spatio-temporal conceptual models. This work can be beneficial for researchers, students, and developers interested in advanced spatio-temporal modeling.

Merging Spatio-Temporal Objects and Business Processes: Land Reform Process Case Study

“…Most GIS predominantly rely on logical models for representation data with spatiotemporal features. This practice can be insufficient when addressing complex case studies [4]. These complex scenarios require conceptual models offering a clearer and more comprehensive data representation, particularly when data needs to be shared and comprehended across different organizations.…”

“…Indeed, it is important to seamlessly incorporate both the representation of real-world objects and management concerns into the realm of conceptual modeling [4]. However, the convergence of these two modeling approaches into a unified and comprehensive spatio-temporal modeling framework remains a challenge.…”