An integrated database design for temporal GIS

Current data representation techniques for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are geared toward representation of static situations. Cartography has traditionally focused on the visual presentation of a portion of the world at a specific point in time. Although GIS are intended to provide a flexible and integrated tool for analyzing large volumes of data, representations historically used in GIS are derived from these cartographic traditions and are geared toward a similar static view. In this paper we will describe the TRIAD model for representing spatiotemporal data in a GIS context. This database model represents a completely integrated approach for handling such multidimensional data. The TRIAD model is also the basis of TEMPEST, a prototype GIS designed to support spatiotemporal queries and analysis. We first briefly review the rationale behind the approach. Then we describe the three views composing the TRIAD model in detail. Finally, the method used for dealing with queries is briefly outlined.