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Ontological Investigation of a Multiscale Ecosystem Classification Using the “National Hierarchical Framework of Ecological Units” as an Example

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Abstract

This paper presents a formalized ontological framework for the analysis of multiscale classifications of geographic objects. We propose a set of logical principles that guide such geographic classifications. These principles are represented as definitions and axioms of the first-order predicate logic. Then we demonstrate an application of these principles with a practical example of the “National Hierarchical Framework of Ecological Units.” The study presents a minimal set of entities and relation need for such formalizations and emphasizes the need to distinguish clearly between classes of ecosystems and ecosystems-individuals physically located on the Earth surface. The ontological framework proposed in the paper has the potential to be used to facilitate interoperability between such geographic classifications.

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Author notes

  1. Alexandre Sorokine

    Present address: Geographic Information Science and Technology Group, PO Box 2008 MS 6017, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831-6017, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Geography Department, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, USA

    Alexandre Sorokine

  2. Geography Department, Department of Philosophy, and New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, USA

    Thomas Bittner

  3. National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis (NCGIA), and Geography Department, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, USA

    Chris Renschler

Authors
  1. Alexandre Sorokine
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  2. Thomas Bittner
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  3. Chris Renschler
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Correspondence to Alexandre Sorokine.

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Sorokine, A., Bittner, T. & Renschler, C. Ontological Investigation of a Multiscale Ecosystem Classification Using the “National Hierarchical Framework of Ecological Units” as an Example. Geoinformatica 10, 313–335 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10707-006-9830-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10707-006-9830-0

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