Modeling and sharing geographic data with INTERLIS
Interoperability is an ubiquitous issue today in geographical information systems. First data- and process-centered approaches to interoperability are defined and model-based transfer is introduced. Then an experience report shows how model-based transfer combined with a data-centered approach led to an implemented standard, called INTERLIS, which supports interoperability in federated systems. INTERLIS is a compact geodata description language and a flexible geodata transfer mechanism. It is explained how this standard is embedded with existing standardization efforts in information technology and geographical information systems. To enhance the integration of federated geographical information systems, INTERLIS is being extended with object-oriented concepts. Further extensions include incremental update capabilities and the presentation of geodata. We argue that the application of a geodata description language was neglected up to now in current systems and that such a language can be combined with both data- and process-centered approaches, so, the two approaches complement each other. The experiences gained with this language serve as a proof-of-concept that a model-based approach can be implemented and used in current GIS systems today.
interoperability federated systems data definition language conceptual schema language model-based data transfer