Computer geometric modelling of N-dimensional integrated data in 3D systems

Abstract

Real-world phenomena have traditionally been modelled in 2D/3D GIS. However, powerful insights can be gained by integrating additional non-spatial dimensions, such as time and scale. While this integration to form higher-dimensional objects is theoretically sound, its implementation is problematic since the data models used in GIS (geo-information systems) are not appropriate. In this paper, we present our research on one possible data model/structure to represent higher-dimensional GIS datasets: generalized maps. It is formally defined, but is not directly applicable for the specific needs of GIS data, e.g. support for geometry, overlapping and disconnected regions, holes, complex handling of attributes, etc. We review the properties of generalized maps, discuss needs to be modified for higher-dimensional GIS, and describe the modifications and extensions that we have made to generalized maps. We conclude with where this research fits within our long term goal of a higher dimensional GIS, and present an outlook on future research. Despite the GIS (Geographic Information Systems/Geospatial Information Systems) have been provided with several applications to manage the two-dimensional geometric information and arrange the topological relations among different spatial primitives, most of these systems have limited capabilities to manage the three-dimensional space. Other tools, such as CAD systems, have already achieved a full capability of representing 3D data. Most of the researches in the field of GIS have underlined the necessity of a full 3D management capability which is not yet achieved by the available systems.