Interop97 - Vckovski

Interoperability and Spatial Information Theory

Andrej Vckovski
Spatial Data Handling Division
Department of Geography
University of Zurich
vckovski@geo.unizh.ch

Abstract

This proposals focuses on the relevance of spatial information theory for the development and deployment of successful interoperability strategies. Interoperability between computing infrastructures needs -- much like every information exchange -- a set of common rules and concepts which define a common understanding of the information and operations available in every cooperating system.

Standardization processes and interoperability initiatives such as OGIS try to provide an agreed-on set of such rules and concepts. Such standardization processes are often driven by market forces and vendors trying to position their particular technology and product as a common concept. However, in spatial information systems (and also other areas) the common concepts do not only include technical aspects but also fundamental questions on modeling spatial, real-world features, i.e., problems which are maybe beyond a specific technical approach.

The process of understanding a real-world phenomena and providing a "code" for the communication of their states and relationships is the development of a theory. In that sense, a theory which is agreed-on by information exchanging communities provides the previously mentioned set of common rules and concepts. Therefore, interoperability of Geographic Information Systems needs such a theory, i.e., a spatial information theory as the theoretical framework for interoperability. In the context of interoperability, the development of a spatial theory (or a set of common understandings of spatial features) needs to address several almost contradictory objectives:

The theory needs to be at least as expressive as every "theory" or concept which is already in use.
The theory needs to be well-defined on the one hand (e.g., to avoid misunderstandings), and flexible on the other hand to allow modifications and extensions
The theory needs to be stable in order to be trustworthy.
The theory needs to be accepted by a large community.
And finally, the theory needs to be simple to provide a realistic basis for a successful deployment and implementation.

The development of a "unified spatial information theory" has been discussed in the research community for several years, and it is not at all clear whether there exists such a thing, whether there is a conception of spatial information which is fundamentally enough to be useful for interoperability purposes and yet covers all possible application areas. However, hard- and software limitations, which have been a driving factor in the research in Geographic Information Systems for a long time, are not posing many significant barriers anymore and therefore, research will be able to focus more on representational issues beyond efficiency, and, finally, some aspects of a spatial information theory. This contribution will discuss some examples and approaches to provide a theoretical foundation for the development of interoperability strategies.