Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Therefore, among the various questions about the representation of change in
data models, that of taking into account the interrelations between objects in the
description of change appears to be paramount. To the triad “what?, where? and
when?” is added the opportunity to question the “how?” [CLA 95]. Claramunt and
Thériault propose a typology of what they call “the spatio-temporal processes” into
three groups (Figure 1.10). To the first group that concerns the evolution of an
object, they add two groups identifying the changes related to the relationships
between objects: - a group concerning the relationships that are associated with
genealogy and spatial diffusion; and - a group identifying the changes affecting the
structure of a set of objects. The geographical object is here considered from a
systemic perspective, any change affecting it is likely to have repercussions on other
objects (for example, deformation of a border).
Figure 1.10.
Typology of spatio-temporal processes according to
Claramunt and Thériault 1995 [CLA 95]
This enhancement proposed by Claramunt and Thériault is fundamental to the
extent that it clarifies, through the categorization, the relationships that objects
maintain with other objects: here, this only concerns relationships of genealogy
(successions) and topology, but all types of relationships between objects can be
concerned, as well spatial relationships (proximity) as belonging relationships (to an
upper level geographical entity) and as functional relationships (influence,
exchange...).
