Mobile Objects Databases

Synonyms

Moving objects database

Definition

Mobile objects databases (MOD) store data about entities that can change their geometry frequently, include changes in location, sizes and shapes.

Main Text

Most database management systems (DBMS), even spatio-temporal DBMS, are not well equipped to handle data on objects that change their geometry frequently, in some cases continuously. In DBMS, data is assumed to be constant unless it is explicitly modified. Using standard database update techniques to update the geometry of a moving object is too expensive computationally. Traditional query languages such as structured query language (SQL) are not well-equipped to handle the spatio-temporal queries required by a MOD. These include: “Retrieve all objects that will intersect a region within the next 4 minutes.” “Retrieve all objects that will come within 3 kilometers of each other and the time when this will occur.” Finally, although the geometry of a moving object is changing continuously...