The book deals with the integration of temporal information in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The main purpose of a historical or time-integrative GIS is to reproduce spatio-temporal processes or sequences of events of the real world in a model in such a way as to make them accessible for spatial query, analysis and visualisation. The volume reflects theoretical thoughts on the interrelations of space and time and includes practical examples taken from various fields of application (spatial/environmental analysis, demographics, history, business data warehousing).
Introduction.- Conceptualising real world entities in spatio-temporal GIS.- Integrating time in Geographic Information Systems.- Implementation of time in GIS.- Processing and analysis of temporal data inside a GIS.- The visualisation of spatio-temporal processes.- Examples.- Conclusion.- Appendix.
From the reviews of the first edition: "The integration of time in predominantly spatially driven and static geographical information systems (GIS) has been biased towards theoretical concepts rather than practical solutions. This book by Ott and Swiaczny provides a new addition to the small but growing collection of textbooks that are available on temporal GIS. ! This book will be of use to graduate students and senior undergraduate students ! . Professionals whose work involves the development of spatiotemporal databases will find interest in this book." (Suzana Dragicevic, Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design, Vol. 30, 2003)