Logical data modeling of spatiotemporal applications: definitions and a model

Dealing with spatiotemporal applications at the logical phase of database design reveals a set of data peculiarities which the already existing models cannot serve satisfactorily. The ontologies of a spatiotemporal environment-namely the basic concepts of objects, attributes and relationships with spatial and temporal extent, as well as operations on them-are defined. Based on these, specifications of modeling tools for the design of spatiotemporal information at the logical phase are given. A formal, yet practical, spatiotemporal relational data model (STRM) is presented as part of a full automatable application design methodology; it provides a small set of representational constructs (relations, layers, virtual layers, object classes, and constraints-all with spatial and temporal extent) on top of well-established models. The power of modeling and ease-of-use of the discussed approach is demonstrated by an example taken from a real application.