The Representation of a Temporal Data Model in the Relational Environment

In previous work, we introduced a data model and a query language for temporal data. The model was designed independently of any existing data model rather than an extension of one. This approach provided an insight into the special requirements for handling temporal data. In this paper, we discuss the implications of supporting such a model in the relational database environment. We show that the concept of a temporal relation needs to be introduced, and define a temporal normal form for it. We discuss several options for the representation of our model's constructs in the relational context, and explain why we chose a particular representation. We also suggest the concept of a temporal relation family as a virtual view to treat multiple temporal relations together.

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