Fuzzy information representation and processing in conventional GIS software: database design and application |
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| Authors: | FANGJU WANG G BRENT HALL SUBARYONO |
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| Institution: | 1. School of Engineering , University of Guelph , Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada;2. Faculty of Environmental Studies , University of Waterloo , Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada;3. Department of Geography , University of Waterloo , Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada |
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| Abstract: | Currently used methods for representing geographical information are inadequate because they do not tolerate imprecision. This leads to information loss and inaccuracy in analysis. Such expressive inadequacy is largely due to the underlying membership concept of classical set theory. To improve information processing in GIS research and application, an alternative membership concept is required. In this paper, we explore the inadequacy imposed upon geographical information representation by classical set theory and address the problems of information loss. A fuzzy relational data model is defined which is more representative for geographical information. A GIS database for agricultural land resource management is created by using the data model and a new technique for assessing land suitability is developed. The fuzzy representation largely facilitates data analysis in this GIS. The methods are tested with data from North Java, Indonesia using a vector-based GIS software package, Arc Info, and the analysis results are presented. |
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| Keywords: | 3D simulation Overland flow Soil erosion GIS flow element GIS soft voxel |
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