Researcher Challenges:Create Maps for the 21st Century
Werner Kuhn
Institute for Geoinformatics
University of Muenster
Maps for Users
GIS Specialists
Today
Models for Users
Tomorrow
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Thesis
Today’s GI and GIS models misbehave
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What does this mean? (1)
• Interaction models imitate behaviour of paper mapsoverlay, buffering
• Data models map storage behaviour to applicationsvector, raster
• Behaviour of geometry models is too primitive crisp boundaries, simple graphs, single geometries, no process models
• Behaviour of features is implemented in word processors feature catalogues are on bookshelves rather than in systems
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What does this mean? (2)
• Application models are not interoperable with GISanalysis and visualisation occurs outside GIS
• Data transfer models contain no behaviour at allexchange formats strip operations away from data
• Economic models reflect behaviour of producers rather than users
cost-based rather than value-based pricing
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The General Challenge
Produce models for GI and GIS based on behaviour-preserving maps
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Structure-preserving maps (morphisms)
modelling modelling
Operations in the model
Changes in the world
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Characteristics of such maps
• They preserve structure (= behaviour)• can be optimised for human and machine resources • can be combined to achieve complex from simple maps• can be formalised as functions (morphisms)• can be prototyped in functional languages.
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Examples from 4 domains
1. Interaction
2. Ontologies
3. Distributed data models
4. Semantic interoperability
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1. Exploit human experience with space for interaction with GIS
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Example: Intuitive zoom and pan
Today’s situation: 10% of the time in routine tasks (e.g., digitizing) is spent in unnecessary and disorienting manipulations for zoom and pan operations
Challenge: Map structure of visual experience to human-computer interaction
visual experience interaction
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2. Design ontologies to support workflows
Wasserstrassen-GIS: Anforderungen an ein Brückeninformationssystem von der WSD Süd
Erstellung eines Berichts über die Möglichkeit von Sondertransporten:
Untersuchung der Möglichkeiten von Sondertransporten (z.B. Überführung von Chemiereaktoren von Linz nach
Rotterdam, Gesamthöhe: bis 9,2 m). Dabei müssen alle niedrigen Brücken unter Berücksichtigung der an der Brücke
vorhandenen maximalen Abladetiefe und gewässerkundlichen Einflüsse (Überstau, Sohlbeschaffenheit ...) untersucht
werden. Eine graphische Aufrissdarstellung von Querprofilen und Lichtraumprofilen sowie eine Grundrissdarstellung von
Tiefenlinien bzw. Flächenpeilungen (jeweils mit Maßstabsangabe und zoomfähig) ist erforderlich.
Gesucht werden müssen alle Brücken an der gewählten Strecke, die eine gewisse Höhe unterschreiten. Die Abladetiefe
wird ermittelt, indem Tiefenlinien (wenn vorhanden), Querprofile oder Flächenpeilungen in der Umgebung der Brücke
ausgewertet werden. Weiter sind aktuelle Wasserstände der nächstgelegenen Pegel anzuzeigen bzw. auszuwerten. Die
Brücken sollten anschließend klassifiziert werden: keine Gefahr, Untersuchung erforderlich, keine Durchfahrt möglich.
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Example: Feature Catalogues
Today’s situation: Feature catalogues are often derived from existing data collections. This fails to support user needs and causes unnecessary update costs.
Challenge: Map structure of work flows to ontologies
User decisions Ontologies
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3. Manage complex data models in distributed systems
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Example: Hierarchies
Today’s situation: Complex conceptual data models get mapped to simple object-relational databases in application software.
Challenge: Map common structure of applications through middleware
Hierarchies ORDB+mediator
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4. Achieve Semantic Interoperability
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Example: Semantics of road data
Today’s situation: Navigation data like GDF and NMA data lead to conflicting interpretations of where one can drive.
Challenge: Map polymorphic driving behaviour to mobile services.
Polymorphism Interoperable Services
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Conclusions
• Today’s GI and GIS models lack behaviour• This makes them hard to use• The general research challenge:
Define and prototype structure-preserving maps
• Some instances:– interaction models (metaphors)
– ontologies and data models
– service models
• Consequences for modelling procedure.