Abstract

Automated processes such as cartographic generalisation require formal abstraction of the geographic space in order to analyse, process and transform it. Spatial relations are key to understanding geographic space and their modelling is a critical issue. This chapter reports on existing classifications and modelling frameworks for spatial relations. A generic model is proposed for building an ontology of spatial relations for automatic processes such as generalisation or on-demand mapping, with a focus on so-called multiple representation relations. Propositions to use such ontology in an automated environment are reported. The three use cases of the chapter describe recent research that uses relations modelling. The first use case is the extension of CityGML with relations for 3D city models. The second use case presents the use of spatial relations for automatic spatial analysis, and particularly the grouping of natural features such as lakes or islands. Finally, the third use case is a data migration model guided by relations that govern the positioning of thematic data upon changing reference data.