An Extended Representation Model for Geographic Data

This paper extends the traditional representation model for geographic data. The traditional representation model is based on a two-dimensional, static, time-independent world, where only well defined or continuous objects exit. This of course is a very limited representation of the real world. The extended model considers a multi-dimensional, dynamic, time-dependent world where objects can be well-defined (with crisp boundaries), poorly defined (with fuzzy boundaries), continuous or discontinuous surfaces. The extended model goes beyond the traditional idea of maps as schematic representations of the environment, and provides the framework for realistic multi-media visualization tools: the maps of the future.