Spatial Data Modeling

Question 1

What does abstraction refer to?

Answer 1

• Reduced detail and only selected features/info
• Something that represents the real thing
  ex. formula, data table, map. represented by points, lines etc

Question 2

What are the 4 levels of modelling?**

Answer 2

1. Real world - In all complexity
2. Conceptual model - Your understanding of it
3. Logical model - possible computer realization (software independent)
4. Physical model - actual digital structure (software implementation)

Question 3

Expand upon the conceptual model

Answer 3

• Spatial entities (points, lines, polygons, surfaces etc)
• 2 views
• -Discrete Objects: entities that occupy space
• -Field: Continuous variable (elevation or sound)

Question 4

2 definitions of field**

Answer 4

1. Category of data (database)

2. Continuous variable in the conceptual model

Question 5

Expand on the conceptual model definition of field

Answer 5

• continuous variable
• surfaces (elevation, aspect, soil depth)
• value varies through space (continuous change of value)

Question 6

What is a model?

Answer 6

A representation or simplification of real world.