Multiview databases for building modelling

Abstract

Database systems provide various facilities including modelling data, queries, semantic integrity control, concurrency control, recovery and authorisation. The transition from relational database technology to object technology is characterised by a richer data model to meet the requirements of new applications such as computer-aided design (CAD) systems. However, object technology still has several shortcomings. One of these shortcomings is that conventionally object model is not able to deal with data that can be described and queried according to different viewpoints. The building practice, for example, is characterised by the organisation of different participants that work towards the elaboration of the building; each one performs a specific role and has a specific view on the building project data. This paper proposes the CEDAR model, which specifies object-oriented multiview databases that can represent data and ensure their integrity according to different viewpoints. The approach is illustrated with an outline of a building project.