Using abstractions for spatio-temporal conceptual modeling

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Abstract
Conceptual data modeling for complex applications, such as multimedia and spatiotemporal applications, often results in large, complicated and difficult-to-comprehend diagrams. These diagrams frequently involve repetition of autonomous, semantically meaningful parts that capture similar situations and characteristics. By recognizing such parts and treating them as modeling units, it is possible to simplify the diagrams, as well as the conceptual modeling process. In this paper, based on requirements drawn from real applications, we present a set of modeling units that capture spatial, temporal, and spatiotemporal aspects. To facilitate the conceptual design process, these units are abbreviated in the conceptual diagrams by corresponding spatial, temporal, and spatiotemporal modeling abstractions. The result is more elegant and less-detailed diagrams that are easier to comprehend (for the user) and to construct (for the designer), hut yet semantically rich. An extension of the Entity-Relationship model serves as the context for this study. An example from a real cadastral application illustrates the benefits of using an abstraction-based conceptual model.

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