Spatial Data Models and Data Structures

Abstract

Similar to knowledge representation, data handling is an important function in SDSS. It involves the ways spatial and aspatial information is conceptualized, structured, and implemented in computers. Literature on data models and data structures is voluminous (see for example Brackett, 1987; Decker, 1989; Modell, 1992). Geometric data models and data structures have also been studied in GIS research over the years (see for example Peuquet, 1984; Burrough, 1986; Vaughaneia et al., 1988; Maguire et al., 1991; Laurini and Thompson, 1992). The purpose of this chapter is not to provide an overview of research in data models and data structures in general and GIS in particular. I concentrate instead on the modeling and structuring of geometric and attribute data, especially under uncertainty, in SDSS.