Generic query tool for spatio-temporal data

Abstract

Geographical information systems are more and more based on a DBMS with spatial extensions, which is also the case for the system described in this paper. The design and implementation of a generic geographical query tool, a platform for querying multiple spatio-temporal data sets and associated thematic data, is presented. The system is designed to be generic, that is without one specific application in mind. It supports ad-hoc queries covering both the spatial and the thematic part of the data. The generic geographic query tool will be illustrated with spatial and thematic Cadastral data. Special attention will be given to the temporal aspects: a spatio-temporal data model will be described together with a set of views for easy querying. DBMS views play an important role in the architecture of the system: integration of models, aggregation of information, presentation of temporal data, and so on. The current production version of the geographic query tool within the Dutch Cadastre is based on GeoICT products with a relatively small market share (Ingres and GEO++). A new prototype version is being developed using mainstream Geo-ICT products (Oracle and MapInfo). First results and open issues with respect to this prototype are presented.