Identifying topological predicates for vague spatial objects

ABSTRACT

Many geographical applications deal with spatial objects that cannot be adequately described by determinate, crisp concepts because of their intrinsically indeterminate and vague nature. GIS and spatial database systems are currently unable to handle this kind of data. Based on recent work on vague spatial data types, which are part of a formal data model called VASA (Vague Spatial Algebra) and which leverage exact models of crisp spatial data types, this paper introduces a general mechanism for identifying topological predicates for vague spatial objects by means of topological predicates for crisp spatial objects. We illustrate this mechanism by deducing these predicates for vague points.

REFERENCES

• 1: Thomas Behr , Markus Schneider, Topological Relationships of Complex Points and Complex Regions, Proceedings of the 20th International Conference on Conceptual Modeling: Conceptual Modeling, p.56-69, November 27-30, 2001
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• 7: Markus Schneider, Uncertainty Management for Spatial Data in Databases: Fuzzy Spatial Data Types, Proceedings of the 6th International Symposium on Advances in Spatial Databases, p.330-351, July 20-23, 1999

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.2 DATABASE MANAGEMENT
      H.2.8 Database applications

General Terms:
Design

Keywords:
VASA, cancellation rule, clustering rule, query language, three-valued logic, vague spatial data type