Universal Ontology of Geographic Space

Abstract

This reference book presents a universal approach to the ontology of geographic space, as a method for establishing more effective spatial models to support the development of semantically interoperable systems of geographic space. The book presents 10 chapters, in two sections, with a focus on challenging the computer-driven dominance over the topics of semantics in the “geo-” domain. The authors incorporate aspects of philosophy, logic, and linguistics as intrinsic disciplines requiring an understanding of spatial issues. Section 1 is entitled “Towards a Universal Ontology in the Spatial Domain,” and comprises five chapters that consider the concepts of reference ontologies and aim towards a universal ontology of geographic space. Section 2, entitled “Applied Ontologies in the Spatial Domain,” comprises a further five chapters, in which the concepts of data enrichment are discussed. Section 1 is oriented toward fundamental approaches, while Section 2 comprises various applications which are correspondingly supplemental to the theoretical part, as follows in the detailed description. Topics covered include: automated generalization; benchmarking spatial semantic interfaces; data acquisition, integration, and interoperability based on universal ontology of geographic space; GIS as spatial cognitive system; human–computer interaction (HCI) upgraded for spatial semantic content; information standards as ontology of GIS technology; integration of spatial concepts in natural languages; ontology authoring and copyrights; ontology charts and browsers; semantic data tagging, intelligent agents, and search engines; a standardized universal ontology of geographic space; and a universal ontology of geographic space for urban 3D applications. Each chapter includes figures and tables, a list of references, and a set of key terms and definition. The volume concludes with a compilation of the references and a brief section of author biographies.