Application of UML(Unified Modeling Language) Towards Object-oriented Analysis and Design of Geo-based Data Model

Normally, a digital geologic map can be defined as mappable one whose spatial information with geographic information details and geologic database attribute, recorded in a digital format that is readable by computer. It shows fundamentally two different conceptual perspectives: cartography for digital mapping and analysis for geo-data processing. While, as both aspects basically relate to natural entities and their interpretation of complex features fused with multi-sources, digital geo-data mapping or geologic mapping, it should be distinguished from digital mapping in engineering such as UIS(Urban Infomation System) and AM/FM(Automated Mapping/Facilities Management). Furthermore, according to short-cycled development of GIS(Geographic Information System) software architecture based on IT(Information Technology) and wide expansion of GIS applications' fields, the importance of domain analysis and application model is emphasized at digital geologic informatizaion. In this paper, first terms and concepts of geo-data model with general data modeling aspects are addressed, and then case histories for geo-data modeling and several approaches for data modeling in GIS application fields are discussed. Lastly, tentative conceptual geo-data modeling by using UML(Unified Modeling Language) of OO(Object-oriented) concepts with respect to USGS/AASG geo-data mode is attempted. Through this approach, the main benefits for standardization and implementation lineage with conceptual model in consideration to reusability are expected. Conclusively, it is expected that geo-information system and its architecture by UML is the new coming key approach for the GIS application in geo-sciences.