A theorem-proving approach to spatial problem-solving

Abstract

Logic programming is one of a batch of new-generation tools derived from the field of artificial intelligence and presenting new challenges and opportunities to those concerned with managing and processing data. This paper is a review of the underlying theory of logic programming, demonstrating how simple spatial problems may be expressed in the language of logic and then transformed into a syntax suitable for automated theorem proving. The implementation of automated theorem proving as a general purpose logic programming language is illustrated by means of PROLOG and examples of PROLOG applications are drawn from the literature. Logic programming is presented both as an elegant programming language and also as a modelling framework with strong theoretical roots offering a fresh approach to the formulation and solution of spatial problems. Pointers are offered to its potential applications in this field.