The information zone system

ABSTRACT

Spatial data is complex data composed of hundreds or thousands of attribute/value pairs that define logical, physical, and abstract geographic features. It has traditionally been available to researchers and other users as paper maps, but it is now commonplace to collect and distribute spatial data as structured graphical elements (e.g., vectors) and their associated relational data sets, or as scanned images (when no analysis is necessary). Even though vast stores of spatial data exist, awareness of and access to these data sets, images, and related documents remain tremendous problems [2]. This situation is due in part to the lack of integration between geographic information systems (GIS), storage management, and network tools. It also is due to the dependence on text-based menus and queries to support access. Text-based access is inconsistent for many spatial data users since users conceptualize and data is organized by geographic location [1].

REFERENCES

• 1: Adlam, K., Clayton, A., and Kelk, B. A 'demonstrator' lor the National Geosciences Data Index. Int. Jour. Geographic Inf. Syst., 2, (1988), pp. 161-170.
• 2: Steven Merrill Frank, Cataloging paradigms for spatial metadata, University of Maine Press, Orono, ME, 1994

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  J. Computer Applications
  J.2 PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND ENGINEERING
      Subjects: Earth and atmospheric sciences

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.3 INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL
      H.3.6 Library Automation
          Subjects: Large text archives

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
      I.2.1 Applications and Expert Systems
          Subjects: Cartography

General Terms:
Design, Documentation