A Process-oriented Multi-representation of Gradual Changes

Although GIS has been applied to many application areas, there is still a need for successful integration of the temporal dimension in current spatial data models in order to deal with the complexity of urban and environmental systems. In particular, there are a few spatio-temporal data models for representing gradual changes. The objective of this paper is to design, at the conceptual level, a spatio-temporal data model that represents and reasons over gradual changes. Our modeling approach considers entities, changes, evolution, events, and processes as modeling primitives in the spatial, temporal and thematic dimensions. Gradual changes are represented at different levels of abstraction while spatio-temporal predicates manipulate the modeling primitives identified. The potential of our modeling approach is illustrated by a case study oriented to the study of “dynamic field” changes in air temperatures in a region of