ABSTRACT
How are these representations used to support reasoning, querying
and analysis of geographic dynamics?
Time and space are essential dimensions to geographic dynamics. The
multitude of complexities arising from geographic dynamics demands robust
GIS representation schemes that can account for the three drivers (i.e.,
activities, processes, and events) and two observables (i.e., change and
movement) as discussed in the previous chapter. Representation of space in
GIS typically follows the cartographic tradition, particularly in forms of
choroplethic maps. Cartographers use maps to represent geography in two-
dimensional media, pieces of paper or a wall, for example. Adopted in GIS,
such a static two-dimensional spatial framework (commonly known as data
layers) poses many challenges to the development of a temporal GIS capable
of handling geographic dynamics. The similar time-stamped approaches
adopted in temporal database management systems (DBMS) and temporal
GIS suggest the complex nature of dynamics (with or without involvement of
space) and the difficulty in capturing temporality in digital representations
(Figure 3.1).
