A conceptual model for a feature-based virtual network

Networks can be used as a model for the representation and analysis of the physical world. Traditional GIS data models need to be improved if GIS is to be more suitable for network modeling. This paper proposes a feature-based object-oriented data model for transportation networks. It breaks the limitations of the arc-node planar graph model in feature description and topology expression of complicated networks. The basic classes in the data model are explicitly defined. The difference and relationship between physical networks and virtual networks, and the topology representation in virtual networks are discussed. An object-oriented network analysis method is used to construct virtual networks over physical networks in order to make abstract networks more suitable for analysis, and includes a detailed example of a multi-modal traffic network.