Modelling Spatiotemporal Information: The Spatiotemporal Object Model

Many of the data-models developed for temporal databases are extensions of existing non-temporal models. However, to create models which complies as much as possible with the behaviour of phenomena in the real world, we have suggested using an ontological approach using conceptual modelling techniques. The spatiotemporal object model (STOM) introduced in this article is developed using object-oriented modelling techniques, combined with a blend of the Multimodel/Metamap approach [Mis93, BS93] and the history graph model [Ren96]. It is successful in dealing with many problems related to spatiotemporal phenomena as shown by two examples in this article and we argue that the model should be used as a basis for the development of future spatiotemporal information systems.