Spatial databases—creative future concepts and use

Abstract

There is continuing pressure to develop spatial information systems. This paper develops two concepts that could emerge. The first is a new spatial paradigm—an holistic model—which is less of an abstraction from reality than current models. Second, is the concept of federated databases for the improved and transparent access to data by disparate users. The latter concept is hardly new and is included in this paper to emphasize its growing importance. These two developments are presented after a introductory discussion of the present state of the discipline of geographical information systems and spatial analysis.