A data model for multi-dimensional transportation applications

Abstract

The distinctive data management needs of transportation agencies in developing transportation-based applications dictate the presence of essential elements that are beyond existing transportation location referencing system data models. These elements include multi-dimensional location referencing, multiscale representation, navigation, and temporal GIS. This paper looks at the foundation for these elements, describes the characteristics of these elements and offers solutions through a transportation-based multi-dimensional data model. By managing data expressed in one to four dimensions, the Multi-Dimensional Location Referencing System (MDLRS) data model allows organizations to implement improved solutions for transportation systems using advanced spatial technologies (e.g. GPS).