a data model and data structures for moving objects databases
We consider spatio-temporal databases supporting spatial objects with continuously changing position and extent, termed moving objects databases . We formally define a data model for such databases that includes complex evolving spatial structures such as line networks or multi-component regions with holes. The data model is given as a collection of data types and operations which can be plugged as attribute types into any DBMS data model (e.g. relational, or object-oriented) to obtain a complete model and query language. A particular novel concept is the sliced representation which represents a temporal development as a set of units , where unit types for spatial and other data types represent certain simple functions of time. We also show how the model can be mapped into concrete physical data structures in a DBMS environment.
data models data model data structures moving object object database temporal spatial posit complexity network region collect types operability attributes dbms relation completeness query languages concept developer timing physical environments object-oriented component