Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

An introduction to spatial database systems

  • Published:
The VLDB Journal Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

We propose a definition of a spatial database system as a database system that offers spatial data types in its data model and query language, and supports spatial data types in its implementation, providing at least spatial indexing and spatial join methods. Spatial database systems offer the underlying database technology for geographic information systems and other applications. We survey data modeling, querying, data structures and algorithms, and system architecture for such systems. The emphasis is on describing known technology in a coherent manner, rather than listing open problems.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abdelmoty, A.I., Williams, M.H., and Paton, N.W. Deduction and deductive databases for geographic data handling.Proceedings of the Third International Symposium on Large Spatial Databases, Singapore, 1993.

  • Abel, D.J. SIRO-DBMS: A database tool kit for geographical information systems.International Journal of Geographical Information Systems, 3:103–116, 1989.

    Google Scholar 

  • Abel, D.J. and Ooi, B.C. eds.Proceedings of the Third International Symposium on Large Spatial Databases, Singapore, 1993.

  • Abel, D.J. and Smith, J.L. A data structure and algorithm based on a linear key for a rectangle retrieval problem.Computer Vision, Graphics, and Image Processing, 24:1–13, 1983.

    Google Scholar 

  • Abiteboul, S. and Beeri, C. On the power of languages for the manipulation of complex objects. Technical Report 846, Paris: INRIA, 1988.

    Google Scholar 

  • Agrawal, R. ALPHA: An extension of relational algebra to express a class of recursive queries.Proceedings of the IEEE Data Engineering Conference, Los Angeles, 1987.

  • Aref, W. and Samet, H. Extending a DBMS with spatial operations.Proceedings of the Second International Symposium on Large Spatial Databases, Zürich, 1991a.

  • Aref, W. and Samet, H. Optimization strategies for spatial query processing.Proceedings of the Seventeenth International Conference on Very Large Data Bases, Barcelona, 1991b.

  • Bancilhon, F., Briggs, T., Khoshafian, S., and Valduriez, P. FAD, a powerful and simple database language.Proceedings of the Thirteenth International Conference on Very Large Data Bases, Brighton, 1987.

  • Batory, D.S., Barnett, J.R., Garza, J.F., Smith, K.P., Tsukuda, K., Twichell, B.C., and Wise, T.E. GENESIS: An extensible database management system.IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering, 14:1711–1730, 1988.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baumann, P. Management of multidimensional discrete data.VLDB Journal, 3(4):401–444, 1994.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bauzer-Medeiros, C. and Pires, F. Databases for GIS.ACMSIGMOD Record, 23:107–115, 1994.

    Google Scholar 

  • Becker, L. and Güting, R.H. Rule-based optimization and query processing in an extensible geometric database system.ACM Transactions on Database Systems, 17:247–303, 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  • Becker, L., Hinrichs, K., and Finke, U. A new algorithm for computing joins with grid files.Proceedings of the Ninth International Conference on Data Engineering, Vienna, 1993.

  • Beckmann, N., Kriegel, H.P., Schneider, R., and Seeger, B. TheR *-tree: An efficient and robust access method for points and rectangles.Proceedings of the ACM SIGMOD Conference, Atlantic City, NJ, 1990.

  • Bentley, J.L. Multidimensional binary search trees used for associative searching.Communications of the ACM 18:509–517, 1975.

    Google Scholar 

  • Berman, R.R. and Stonebraker, M. GEO-QUEL: A system for the manipulation and display of geographic data.Computer Graphics 11:186–191, 1977.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brinkhoff, T., Kriegel, H.P., and Schneider, R. Comparison of approximations of complex objects used for approximation-based query processing in spatial database systems.Proceedings of the Ninth International Conference on Data Engineering, Vienna, 1993a.

  • Brinkhoff, T., Kriegel, H.P., and Seeger, B. Efficient processing of spatial joins usingR-trees.Proceedings of the ACM SIGMOD Conference, Washington, DC, 1993b.

  • Brinkhoff, T., Kriegel, H.P., Schneider, R., and Seeger, B. Multi-step processing of spatial joins.Proceedings of the ACM SIGMOD Conference Minneapolis, 1994.

  • Buchmann, A., Günther, O., Smith, T.R., and Wang Y.F., eds.Proceedings of the First International Symposium on Large Spatial Databases, Santa Barbara, 1989.

  • Chang, N.S., and Fu, K.S.: A relational database system for images. In: Chang, S.K. and Fu, K.S., eds.,Pictorial Information Systems, Berlin: Springer, 1980, pp. 288–321.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chang, S.K., Jungert, E., and Li, Y. The design of pictorial databases based upon the theory of symbolic projections.Proceedings of the First International Symposium on Large Spatial Databases, Santa Barbara, 1991.

  • Chu, W.W., Ieong, I.T., and Taira, R.K. A semantic modeling approach for image retrieval by content.VLDB Journal, 3(4):445–477, 1994.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clementini, E., Di Felice, P., and van Oosterom, P. A small set of formal topological relationships suitable for end-user interaction.Proceedings of the Third International Symposium on Large Spatial Databases, Singapore, 1993.

  • Cruz, I.F., Mendelzon, A.O., and Wood, P.T. A graphical query language supporting recursion.Proceedings of the ACM SIGMOD Conference, 1987.

  • Cui, Z., Cohn, A.G., and Randell, D.A. Qualitative and topological relationships in spatial databases.Proceedings of the Third International Symposium on Large Spatial Databases, Singapore, 1993.

  • David, B., Raynal, L., Schorter, G., and Mansart V. GeO2: Why objects in a geographical DBMS?Proceedings of the Third International Symposium on Large Spatial Databases, Singapore, 1993.

  • Dayal, U., Manola, F., Buchmann, A., Chakravarthy, U., Goldhirsch, D., Heiler, S., Orenstein, J., and Rosenthal, A. Simplifying complex objects: The PROBE approach to modelling and querying them. In: Schek, H.-J. and Schlageter, G., eds.,Proceedings GI-Fachtagung Datenbanksysteme in Büro, Technik, und Wissenschaft, Darmstadt, 1987.

  • Dröge, G. and Schek, H.-J. Query-adaptive data space partitioning using variablesize storage clusters.Proceedings of the Third International Symposium on Large Spatial Databases, Singapore, 1993.

  • Dröge, G., Schek, H.-J., and Wolf, A. Erweiterbarkeit in DASDBS (Extensibility in DASDBS).Informatik Forschung und Entwicklung, 5:162–176, 1990.

    Google Scholar 

  • Egenhofer, M. A formal definition of binary topological relationships.,Proceedings of the Third International Conference on the Foundations of Data Organization and Algorithms, Paris, 1989.

  • Egenhofer, M. Extending SQL for cartographic display.Cartography and Geographic Information Systems, 18:230–245, 1991a.

    Google Scholar 

  • Egenhofer, M. Reasoning about binary topological relations.Proceedings of the Second International Symposium on Large Spatial Databases, Zürich, 1991b.

  • Egenhofer, M.. Why not SQL!International Journal of Geographical Information Systems, 6:71–85, 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  • Egenhofer, M. Spatial SQL: A query and presentation language.IEEE Transactions on Knowledge and Data Engineering, 6:86–95, 1994.

    Google Scholar 

  • Egenhofer, M. and Frank, A. Towards a spatial query language: User interface considerations.Proceedings of the Fourteenth International Conference on Very Large Data Bases, Los Angeles, 1988.

  • Egenhofer, M., Frank, A., and Jackson, J.P. A topological data model for spatial databases.Proceedings of the First International Symposium on Large Spatial Databases, Santa Barbara, 1989.

  • Egenhofer, M. and Herring, J. A mathematical framework for the definition of topological relationships.Fourth International Symposium on Spatial Data Handling, Zürich, 1990.

  • Egenhofer, M. and Herring, J. Categorizing binary topological relationships between regions, lines, and points in geographic databases. Technical Report. Department of Surveying Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  • Erwig, M. and Güting, R.H. Explicit graphs in a functional model for spatial databases. FernUniversität Hagen, Informatik-Report 110, 1991. To appear inIEEE Transactions on Knowledge and Data Engineering.

  • Faloutsos, C., Sellis, T., and Roussopoulos, N. Analysis of object-oriented spatial access methods.Proceedings of the ACM SIGMOD Conference, San Francisco, 1987.

  • Frank, A. Application of DBMS to land information systems.Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Very Large Data Bases, Cannes, 1981.

  • Frank, A. MAPQUERY: Data base query language for retrieval of geometric data and their graphical representation.Computer Graphics, 16:199–207, 1982.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frank, A. Overlay processing in spatial information systems.Proceedings of the Eighth International Symposium on Computer-Assisted Cartography (Auto-Carto 8), Baltimore, MD, 1988.

  • Frank, A. Properties of geographic data: Requirements for spatial access methods.Proceedings of the Second International Symposium on Large Spatial Databases, Zürich, 1991.

  • Frank, A. Qualitative spatial reasoning about distances and directions in geographic space.Journal of Visual Languages and Computing, 3:343–371, 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frank, A. and Kuhn, W. Cell graphs: A provable correct method for the storage of geometry.Proceedings of the Second International Symposium on Spatial Data Handling, Seattle, 1986.

  • Franklin, W.R. Cartographic errors symptomatic of underlying algebra problems.Proceedings of the First International Symposium on Spatial Data Handling, Zürich, 1984.

  • Freeman, H. and Ahn, J. On the problem of placing names in a geographic map.International Journal on Pattern Recognition and Artificial Intelligence 1:121–140, 1987.

    Google Scholar 

  • Freeston, M.W. The BANG file: A new kind of grid file.Proceedings of the ACM SIGMOD Conference, San Francisco, 1987.

  • Freksa, C., Qualitative spatial reasoning. In: Mark, D.M. and Frank, A., eds,Cognitive and Linguistic Aspects of Geographic Space, Dordrecht: Kluwer, 1991.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gardarin, G., Cheiney, J.P. Kiernan, G. Pastre, D. and Stora, H. Managing complex objects in an extensible relational DBMS.Proceedings of the Fifteenth International Conference on Very Large Data Bases, Amsterdam, 1989.

  • Gargano, M., Nardelli, E., and Talamo, M. Abstract data types for the logical modeling of complex data.Information Systems, 16:565–584, 1991.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gargantini, I. An effective way to represent quadtrees.Communications of the ACM, 25:905–910, 1982.

    Google Scholar 

  • Graefe, G. and DeWitt, D.J. The EXODUS optimizer generator.Proceedings of the ACM SIGMOD Conference, San Francisco, 1987.

  • Greene, D. An implementation and performance analysis of spatial data access methods.Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Data Engineering, Los Angeles, 1989.

  • Greene, D. and Yao, F. Finite-resolution computational geometry.Proceedings of the Twenty-Seventh IEEE Symposium on Foundations of Computer Science, Toronto, 1986.

  • Günther, O. Efficient structures for geometric data management.Lecture Notes in Computer Science 337, Springer, 1988.

  • Günther, O. Efficient computation of spatial joins.Proceedings of the Ninth International Conference on Data Engineering, Vienna, 1993.

  • Günther, O. and Bilmes, J. The implementation of the cell tree: Design alternatives and performance evaluation.Proceedings of the GI-Fachtagung Datenbanksysteme in Büro, Technik und Wissenschaft, Informatik-Fachberichte, 1989.

  • Günther, O. and Buchmann, A. Research issues in spatial databases,ACMSIGMOD Record, 19:61–68, 1990.

    Google Scholar 

  • Günther, O. and Schek, H.-J., eds.Proceedings of the Second International Symposium on Large Spatial Databases, Zürich, 1991.

  • Güting, R.H. Geo-relational algebra: A model and query language for geometric database systems. In: Schmidt, J.W., Ceri, S., and Missikoff, M., eds.,Proceedings of the International Conference on Extending Database Technology, Venice, 1988.

  • Güting, R.H. Gral: An extensible relational database system for geometric applications.Proceedings of the Fifteenth International Conference on Very Large Data Bases, Amsterdam, 1989.

  • Güting, R.H. Second-order signature: A tool for specifying data models, query processing, and optimization.Proceedings of the ACM SIGMOD Conference, Washington, DC, 1993.

  • Güting, R.H. GraphDB: A data model and query language for graphs in databases. Fernuniversität Hagen, Informatik-Report 155, 1994 (submitted for publication). Short version entitled “GraphDB: Modeling and querying graphs in databases,”Proceedings of the Twentieth International Conference on Very Large Data Bases, Santiago, Chile, 1994.

  • Güting, R.H. and Schilling, W. A practical divide-and-conquer algorithm for the rectangle intersection problem.Information Sciences 42:95–112, 1987.

    Google Scholar 

  • Güting, R.H. and Schneider, M. Realms: A foundation for spatial data types in database systems.Proceedings of the Third International Symposium on Large Spatial Databases, Singapore, 1993a.

  • Güting, R.H. and Schneider, M. Realm-based spatial data types: The ROSE algebra. Fernuniversität Hagen, Report 141, 1993b.

  • Güting, R.H., Zicari, R., and Choy, D.M. An algebra for structured office documents.ACM Transactions on Information Systems, 7:123–157, 1989.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gupta, A., Weymouth, T., and Jain, R. Semantic queries with pictures: The VIMSYS model.Proceedings of the Seventeenth International Conference on Very Large Data Bases, Barcelona, 1991.

  • Guttmann, R.R-trees: A dynamic index structure for spatial searching.Proceedings of the ACM SIGMOD Conference, Boston, MA, 1984.

  • Gyssens, M., Paredaens, J., and van Gucht, D. A. graph-oriented object database model.Proceedings of the ACM Conference on Principles of Database Systems, Nashville, TN, 1990.

  • Haas, L.M. and Cody, W.F. Exploiting extensible DBMS in integrated geographic information systems.Proceedings of the Second International Symposium on Large Spatial Databases, Zürich, 1991.

  • Haas, L.M., Freytag, J.C., Lohman, G.M., and Pirahesh, H. Extensible query processing in Starburst.Proceedings of the ACM SIGMOD, Portland, OR, 1989.

  • Henrich, A., Six, H.-W., and Widmayer, P. TheLSD-tree: Spatial access to multidimensional point-and non-point-objects.Proceedings of the Fifteenth International Conference on Very Large Data Bases, Amsterdam, 1989.

  • Herring, J., Larsen, R., and Shivakumar, J. Extensions to the SQL language to support spatial analysis in a topological data base.Proceedings of GIS/LIS San Antonio, TX, 1988.

  • Hinrichs, K. The grid file system: Implementation and case studies of applications. Doctoral thesis, ETH Zürich, 1985.

  • de Hoop, S. and van Oosterom, P. Storage and manipulation of topology in Postgres.Proceedings of the Third European Conference on Geographical Information Systems, München, 1992.

  • Joseph, T. and Cardenas, A. PICQUERY: A high level query language for pictorial database management.IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering, 14:630–638, 1988.

    Google Scholar 

  • Keating, T., Phillips, W., and Ingram, K. An integrated topological database design for geographic information systems.Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing 53:1399–1402, 1987.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kriegel, H.P., Horn, H., and Schiwietz, M. The performance of object decomposition techniques for spatial query processing.Proceedings of the Second International Symposium on Large Spatial Database, Zürich, 1991.

  • Larue, T., Pastre, D., and Viémont, Y. Strong integration of spatial domains and operators in a relational database system.Proceedings of the Third International Symposium on Large Spatial Databases, Singapore, 1993.

  • Lin, K.I., The TV-tree: An index structure for high-dimensional data.VLDB Journal, 3(4): 519–544, 1994.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lipeck, U. and Neumann, K. Modelling and manipulating objects in geoscientific databases.Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on the Entity-Relationship Approach, Dijon, France, 1987.

  • Lo, M.L. and Ravishankar, C.V. Spatial joins using seeded trees.Proceedings of the ACM SIGMOD Conference, Minneapolis, MN, 1994.

  • Lomet, D.B. and Salzberg, B. A robust multi-attribute search structure.Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Data Engineering, Los Angeles, 1989.

  • Lu, W. and Han, J. Distance-associated join indices for spatial range search.Proceedings of the Ninth International Conference on Data Engineering, Vienna, 1992.

  • Maingenaud, M. and Portier, M. Cigales: A graphical query language for geographical information systems.Proceedings of the Fourth International Symposium on Spatial Data Handling, Zürich, 1990.

  • Mantey, P.E. and Carlson, E.D. Integrated geographic data bases: The GADS experience. In: Blaser, A., ed.,Data Base Techniques for Pictorial Applications. Berlin: Springer, 1980, pp. 173–198.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mehlhorn, K.Data Structures and Algorithms 3: Multidimensional Searching and Computational Geometry. Berlin: Springer, 1984.

    Google Scholar 

  • Meyer, B. Beyond icons: Towards new metaphors for visual query languages for spatial information systems. In: Cooper, R. ed.,Interfaces to Database Systems. Berlin: Springer, 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morehouse, S. The architecture of ARC/INFO.Proceedings of the Auto-Carto 9, Baltimore, MD, 1989.

  • Morton, G.M.A Computer Oriented Geodetic Data Base and a New Technique in File Sequencing. IBM Ltd., Ottawa, Canada, 1966.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nievergelt, J., Hinterberger, H., and Sevcik, K.C. The grid file: An adaptable, symmetric multikey file structure.ACM Transactions on Database Systems, 9:38–71, 1984.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nievergelt, J. and Preparata, F.P. Plane-sweep algorithms for intersecting geometric figures.Communications of the ACM, 25:739–747, 1982.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ooi, B.C., McDonell, K.J., and Sacks-Davis, R. Spatialkd-tree: An indexing mechanism for spatial databases.Proceeding of the IEEE COMPSAC Conference, Tokyo, 1987.

  • Ooi, B.C., Sacks-Davis, R., and McDonell, K.J. Extending a DBMS for geographic applications.Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Data Engineering, Los Angeles, 1989.

  • van Oosterom, P. and Vijlbrief, T. Building a GIS on top of the open DBMS POSTGRES.Proceedings of the Second European Conference on Geographical Information Systems, Brussels, 1991.

  • Orenstein, J.A. Spatial query processing in an object-oriented database system.Proceedings of the ACM SIGMOD Conference, Washington, DC, 1986.

  • Orenstein, J.A. Strategies for optimizing the use of redundancy in spatial databases.Proceedings of the First International Symposium on Large Spatial Databases, Santa Barbara, 1989.

  • Orenstein, J.A. An algorithm for computing the overlay of k-dimensional spaces.Proceedings of the Second International Symposium on Large Spatial Databases, Zürich, 1991.

  • Orenstein, J.A. and Manola, F. PROBE spatial data modeling and query processing in an image database application.IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering 14:611–629, 1988.

    Google Scholar 

  • Osborn, S.L. and Heaven, T.E. The design of a relational database system with abstract data types for domains.ACM Transactions on Database Systems, 11:357–373, 1986.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pagel, B.U., Six, H.W., and Toben, H. The transformation technique for spatial objects revisited.Proceedings of the Third International Symposium on Large Spatial Databases, Singapore, 1993.

  • Papadias, D. and Sellis, T. Qualitative representation of spatial knowledge in twodimensional space.VLDB Journal, 3(4):479–517, 1994.

    Google Scholar 

  • Preparata, F.P. and Shamos, M.I.Computational Geometry: An Introduction. Berlin: Springer, 1985.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pullar, D. and Egenhofer, M. Towards formal definitions of topological relations among spatial objects.Proceedings of the Third International Symposium on Spatial Data Handling, Sydney, 1988.

  • de Ridder, T. Die ROSE-Algebra: Implementierung geometrischer Datentypen und Operationen für erweiterbare Datenbanksysteme (The ROSE algebra: Implementation of geometric data types and operations for extensible database systems). Fernuniversität Hagen, Fachbereich Informatik, Diplomarbeit (Master's Thesis), 1994.

  • Robinson, J.T. TheKDB-tree: A search structure for large multidimensional dynamic indexes.Proceedings of the ACM SIGMOD Conference, Ann Arbor, MI, 1981.

  • Rosenthal, A., Heiler, S., Dayal, U., and Manola, F. Traversal recursion: A practical approach to supporting recursive applications.Proceedings of the ACM SIGMOD Conference, Washington, DC, 1986.

  • Roussopoulos, N., Faloutsos, C., and Sellis, T. An efficient pictorial database system for PSQL.IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering, 14:639–650, 1988.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rotem, D. Spatial Join indices.Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Data Engineering, Kobe, Japan, 1991.

  • Samet, H.The Design and Analysis of Spatial Data Structures. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley, 1990.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schek, H.-J., Paul, H.B., Scholl, M.H., and Weikum, G. The DASDBS project: Objectives, experiences, and future prospects.IEEE Transactions on Knowledge and Data Engineering, 2:25–43, 1990.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schek, H.-J. and Wolf, A. From extensible databases to interoperability between multiple databases and GIS applications.Proceedings of the Third International Symposium on Large Spatial Databases, Singapore, 1993.

  • Schilcher, M. Interactive graphic data processing in cartography.Computers & Graphics, 9:57–66, 1985.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scholl, M. and Voisard, A. Thematic map modeling.Proceedings of the First International Symposium on Large Spatial Databases, Santa Barbara, 1989.

  • Scholl, M. and Voisard, A. Object-oriented database systems for geographic applications: An experiment with O2. In: Gambosi, G., Six, H., and Scholl, M., eds.,Proceedings of the International Workshop on Database Management Systems for Geographical Applications, Capri, 1991.

  • Seeger, B. and Kriegel, H.P. Techniques for design and implementation of efficient spatial access methods.Proceedings of the Fourteenth International Conference on Very Large Data Bases, Los Angeles, 1988.

  • Seeger, B. and Kriegel, H.P. The buddy-tree: An efficient and robust access method for spatial database systems.Proceedings of the Sixteenth International Conference on Very Large Data Bases, Brisbane, Australia, 1990.

  • Sellis, T., Roussopoulos, N., and Faloutsos, C. TheR+-tree: A dynamic index for multi-dimensional objects.Proceedings of the Thirteenth International Conference on Very Large Data Bases, Brighton, 1987.

  • Smith, T.R. and Gao, P. Experimental performance evaluations on spatial access methods.Proceedings of the Fourth International Symposium on Spatial Data Handling, Zürich, 1990.

  • Smith, T.R., Menon, S., Star, J.L., and Estes, J.E. Requirements and principles for the implementation and construction of large-scale geographic information systems.International Journal of Geographical Information Systems, 1:13–31, 1987.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stonebraker, M., Frew, J., Gardels, K., and Meredith, J. The Sequoia 2000 storage benchmark.Proceedings of the ACM SIGMOD Conference, Washington, DC, 1993a.

  • Stonebraker, M., Frew, J., and Dozier, J. The SEQUOIA 2000 project.Proceedings of the Third International Symposium on Large Spatial Databases, Singapore, 1993b.

  • Stonebraker, M. and Rowe, L.A. The design of POSTGRES.Proceedings of the SIGMOD Conference, Washington, DC, 1986.

  • Stonebraker, M., Rubenstein, B., and Guttmann, A. Application of abstract data types and abstract indices to CAD databases.Proceedings of the ACM Engineering Design Applications Conference, San Jose, CA, 1983.

  • Svensson, P. and Huang, Z. Geo-SAL: A query language for spatial data analysis.Proceedings of the Second International Symposium on Large Spatial Databases, Zürich, 1991.

  • Tamminen, M. The extendible cell method for closest point problems.BIT, 22:27–41, 1982.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tomlin, C.D.Geographic Information Systems and Cartographic Modeling. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1990.

    Google Scholar 

  • Valduriez, P. Join indices.ACM Transactions on Database Systems, 12:218–246, 1987.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vijlbrief, T. and van Oosterom, P. The GEO++ system: An extensible GIS.Proceedings of the Fifth International Symposium on Spatial Data Handling, Charleston, SC, 1992.

  • Voisard, A. Towards a toolbox for geographic user interfaces.Proceedings of the Second International Symposium on Large Spatial Databases, Zürich, 1991.

  • Waugh, T.C. and Healey, R.G. The GEOVIEW design: A relational data base approach to geographical data handling.International Journal of Geographical Information Systems, 1:101–118, 1987.

    Google Scholar 

  • Widmayer, P. Datenstrukturen für Geodatenbanken (data structures for spatial databases). In: Vossen, G., ed.Entwicklungstendenzen bei Datenbanksystemen. München: Oldenbourg, 1991, pp. 317–361.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilms, P.F., Schwarz, P.M., Schek, H.-J., and Haas, L.M. Incorporating data types in an extensible database architecture.Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Data and Knowledge Bases, Jerusalem, 1988.

  • Wolf, A. The DASDBS Geo-kernel: Concepts, experiences, and the second step.Proceedings of the First International Symposium on Large Spatial Databases, Santa Barbara, 1989.

  • Worboys, M.F. A generic model for planar geographical objects.International Journal of Geographical Information Systems, 6:353–372, 1992.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Praktische Informatik IV, Fern Universität Hagen, D-58084, Hagen, Germany

    Ralf Hartmut Güting Dr.rer.nat (Professor)

Authors
  1. Ralf Hartmut Güting Dr.rer.nat
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Güting, R.H. An introduction to spatial database systems. VLDB Journal 3, 357–399 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01231602

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01231602

Keywords

Search

Navigation