Temporal GIS: modeling the evolution of spatial data in time

Abstract In this paper, the view is taken that it is necessary for a GIS to manage both real-world time and database time. Both types of time are discussed and it is suggested that real-world time has similarities to other object attributes, but database time is different in a number of respects. The main thrust of the paper is on the latter. The problem is exposed and solutions discussed based on version management in a continuous database. The problem area embraces the management of alternatives, and the management of the evolving states of a database.