Extending the metaphor GIS query language and environment to 3D domains

The aim of our research is to provide GIS users with a visual environment where they can formulate spatial queries which implicitly capture the double nature of geographical data. In particular, in this paper we propose an extension to the MGISQL visual environment, where users may pose 3D queries about those phenomena where the third dimension is a relevant feature for data retrieving. The interaction between users and the visual environment is performed by manipulating 3D geometaphors. The underlying algebra for spatial operators is enriched accordingly. Visual queries are composed in a 3D environment, called the Sensitive Cube, characterized by the 3D geometaphors, visualized as 'floating objects'. A prototype of the 3D MGISQL visual environment has been realized, which allows users to query an archaeological--geographical database, whose experimental data refer to a site located around the city of Salerno.