Modelling concepts for the representation of evolution constraints

During the past years several methods have been successfully applied for the design of databases in many application areas. However, the database modelling of the behaviour of dynamic systems is still a challenging open issue, particularly for applications with an important temporal component. The recent integration of the temporal dimension within database modelling methods provides a first step towards the representation of the dynamics of evolving systems. This paper proposes a set of modelling concepts oriented towards the description and representation of constraints that restrict the evolution of entities. We make a distinction amongst evolutions that are characterised by either a migration of an entity towards another entity type, generation or deletion of an entity, or change of value of an entity attribute. These modelling concepts are illustrated in the context of an urban database. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.