6533b836fe1ef96bd12a1304

RESEARCH PRODUCT

A multiple layered functional data model to support multiple representations and interoperability of GIS

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This paper presents a multi-layered functional data model to support multiple representation and information sharing among distributed spatial information systems. The key idea is that a geographical space (foe example an urban space) can be viewed as a set of abstract spatial functionalities on which different application classes can be derived to manipulate objects of the same geographical space and share the same abstract generic functionalities. The object classes define multiple views or representations of a domain. For example in urban management, transportation systems, water supply and sewage systems applications can share generic network functionalities defined by graph treversal operations. The multi-layered functional data model consists of two types of generic functional levels. First, a generic functional level consisting of primitive geometrical types and one or more generic layers. The generic layers provide application oriented abstract functions that are based on the primitives geometrical types. The second level consists of one or more domain specific functionalities that specialize and refine the abstract functions of the first level.