OCL for formal modelling of topological constraints involving regions with broad boundaries

Abstract

Integrity constraints can control topological relations of objects in spatial databases. These constraints can be modelled using formal languages such as the spatial extension of the Object Constraint Language (Spatial OCL). This language allows the expression of topological integrity constraints involving crisp spatial objects but it does not support constraints involving spatial objects with vague shapes (e.g. forest stand, pollution zone, valley or lake). In this paper, we propose an extension of Spatial OCL based on (1) a geometric model for objects with vague shapes, and (2) an adverbial approach for modelling topological constraints involving regions with broad boundaries. This new language provides an easiness in the formal modelling of these complex constraints. Our approach has been implemented in a code generator. A case study is also presented in the paper in the field of agriculture spreading activities. AOCL OVS takes account of the shape vagueness of spread parcel and improve spatial reasoning about them.

Automated evaluation of generalized topographic maps

“…Nevertheless, to the best of my knowledge, the Object Constraint Language (OCL) [216] has the potential to implement the formal theory presented in this chapter and to formalize map specifications together with a UML model. Research in the geospatial domain has demonstrated the use of OCL and UML in modeling topological rules in spatial databases [25] and specifications for multiple representation databases and generalization [61,69,71,194].…”