Spatio-temporal Data Modeling using Formal Ontology Technology

Developments in net centric applications, location aware computing and sensor network deployment have resulted in awareness that data modeling which can support applications having entities and events with spatio-temporal aspects that are subject to change must be further developed. Diverse, though scattered or narrowly focused, recent research efforts have noted the importance of going beyond the traditional Entity-Relationship model and incorporating semantics into the modeling. The significance of the opportunity is that if an appropriate data model that incorporates the spatio-temporal aspects of entities and associated events is developed: (1) computer aided software engineering (CASE) tools can incorporate the primitives for the enhanced data modeling, (2) appropriate query language extensions may be developed and (3) guidance may be given to application designers. We propose to develop a data model that incorporates spatial and temporal aspects into entity and associated event data through the innovative use of formal logic-based ontology technology. In developing the spatio-temporal data model, our effort will be informed by existing standards / specifications from the Open Geospatial Consortium.