A GIS application to enhance cell-based information modeling

Maps have been major sources of information for a long time. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) use digital data, elevation models, satellite images, expert systems and related open source information for planning, detection, evaluation and decision making. Maps as well as GIS use spatial attributes of data in particular. Spatial Information derived is a feature of both data and language to communicate results of analysis and interpretation. A natural language approach to geographic concepts is discussed focusing on the cognitive aspects of categorizing spatial terms, which are represented by vague descriptions. Scientific analysis, however, requires a formal representation of spatial terms. The translation of linguistic concepts to spatial terms like ‘‘steep slopes’’ involves inherent uncertainties that are dealt with by implementing fuzzy logic tools to computerbased GIS. MapModels is a programming language based on ArcView GIS that allows users easily to comprehend geographical (spatial) terms by means of analytical tools including membership models. A flowchart interface is preferred to a line-code oriented programming language thus enabling the user to focus on a particular problem rather than a complex programming exercise. Examples are given on how MapModels utilizes the vagueness of geographic description in GIS analysis. This paper shows, how MapModels enhances the powerful options of GIS-based spatial analysis in obtaining information from cell-based images. 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.